Life
by Allen Williams
 circa 1994

At times I live it as an ocean voyage
alone at sea in torrential wind and waves
fighting the unknown
with vim and with vigor
catching minnows to stay alive
riding high on crests of foam
surviving the seas of transition
to challenge the unknown without a grimace
showing no visible signs of fear or pain

At times I face it alone
in a pool of serenity
with out-stretched fingers and toes
skimming the surface
letting the warmth of the water
envelope my body
entombed in the tranquility of thought
in search of the meaning of it all

Then alone in the night
I lie in silence beneath quilted
patterned covers and sheets
tightly tucked under the corner of the mattress
sheets pulled up high covering my head

...as darkness falls upon me
I realize the need for permanence
the want for happiness in a glance
to be hypnotized by dancing embers
allow fingers to graze my brow
touch lightly in spots unspoken

At times I realize the need to be loved