Jay Semko

Adventure on My Breath

I shouted at the open plains
with a voice that came from inside my head
the ice crystals shimmered and shifted
and I knew that I was not dead yet
I picked at the bones of my new complacencey
the old fighter shrieking at the ringside
cleaning up the bloody mess after it was over
white knuckles and the memory of a victory
Siberia - at least that's house it seems
in a greyhound skating down the highway
everyone sleeps in the comfort
of their daily lives
but I'm awake with adventure on my breath

What is this muse that sends us inspiration
when depressions tries to shake us from our shells
we beat our fists against our chests without a meaning, when it's over
we are brusied and embarassed
I had a love once -
a love without a consummation
she was tender but hard on the outside
my wanderlust and years without a word from me
sent her far away with sadness, but never bitter,
never bitter -

there is a power that pounds
the door of restless nights
sleepwalking, but only with a straight jacket
we hug ourselves and kiss ourselves
and tell ourselves our deepest secrects
never make a sound

You can have your dictionaries
You can keep your television vision
You can sleep the sleep of angels
I'm awake with adventure on my breath

Copyright Jay Semko

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