Lost It All

Evening—the great sun sets In the west, painting the sky orange. The high heavens glow In brilliant shades of red. Vagabond birds return home, Seeking a peaceful sleep After a whole day of roaming. So do I. Tired from work, I return in search of peace. My thoughts tear me into pieces. My soul longs to sleep, But my body goes after her. Following my body, I argue with my soul: “What is the meaning of being virtuous If you do not believe in heaven?” “Then go after your bodily pleasures,” My soul replies, “And do not regret them later.” “Thanks,” I say, As I buy latex. Tak-tak-tak, I walk toward my home. Knock-knock. The door seems to call out. Then a gentle voice comes From behind it. My stress slips away. The door opens, And the lost youth within me revives. A warm face catches my eye, More pleasant than the moon. A voice asks, “How was your day?” My heart overflows. Her touch upon me Feels like dew resting on grass. A simple greeting Takes away all my tiredness. I go to shower, And my soul begins to relax. I come out, And now it is time to eat. The room is warm. Candles are lit upon the table. The scent of lavender rises From the vase behind us. The sweetness of wine And the tenderness of meat Pierce through my heart. Her charming beauty Captivates my soul. I lose all of myself within her. And I wonder— Why is she with me? “Awake, awake!” I hear. What a strange dream it was, Yet soothing it felt. The work upon the table Had reached the zenith. Frightened by the workload, I worked as fast as I could, But it seemed endless— Enormous and gigantic, A mountain to climb and clear. The dream was better, But I had no time To think or enjoy. A life running like hell— Who knows when it will end? I work, I work— The keyboard runs: Click-click, clack-clack. “How annoying!” I shout. People look at me. I lower my head And leave everything behind. I begin writing my resignation And walk away. My brain says, “Don’t do it.” But my heart knows What feels right. I leave the job, Feeling relieved. Days pass As I live on my savings. Now I need a job. I am fresh, Ready to work again With renewed energy. But where is the work? There is nothing to do. I am broke. I want food Just to live, But no one is there To listen to me. Alas! I lost it all. My heart shatters. I try to gather the pieces, But I fail. Maybe that dream Caused me to lose everything. So now, Endless dreams will recover What I once was. “Let us go To the silent valley of peace, Where no one shouts And endless dreams Come wandering around.” With the last of my money, I buy a rope. And now, It is time To see a new hope.