Here, soul lies

off guard, undefended.

With memories absent

visions undreamt.

Despair awake

and light asleep.

Promises misguided

Sacrifices unsought

Breath unrewarded.

Here soul passed,

blind, altered and lost.

Scared by a wind

defeated by a heat.

And unwilling they may be,

despising pain,

and yet they stay.

Still they hold breath

and wait.  For soon

the skies will sing

with a voice strong

as the night will rise.

And it be found, at last,

The sanctuary of souls.

Rest.

Retreat.

January 2001