Now

H. C. Sluys

When love is cloaked in mute disguise,
And shadows cloud the summer's eyes,
Despair not--only realize
Tomorrow never comes.

When fantasies and dreams take hold
The heart grows numb, the voice grows cold
And wishes fall like folly's gold
On strings that no one strums.

Or spirits of the past appear
Sad images of yesteryear
Ensnare the voice of merry cheer
In plodding deathmarch drums.

As past is lost in reverie
And future wings are yet unflown
In opening the soul, you see
And grasp the last unknown.

December 29, 2003