Sunday, May 29, 2011

Now i lay me

i wake up from a dream
of a war that i have never been a part of
scratches on my arms from
running, chasing, hiding
an imaginary enemy
i am fighting
without weapons
without safety
without reason

the air conditioner hums and cools
 the beads of sweat on my brow
the hostile branches i realize
are just clingy sheets
i am surrendering
without fear
without aggression
without pain

 i allow the fatigue to overtake me
the luxury of protected sleep
enwraps me as a warm blanket
tonight i don't have to fight
because someone else is
without name
without recognition
without hesitating


          This is my first entry for Poetry Slam.  Thank you for listening.  Thank you for hearing.  Thank you for remembering.

16 comments:

Aurora Smith said...

beautiful.

The Bug said...

Very powerful - mine is about war too, sort of.

Helen said...

A somber reminder of war and the horror for soldier and family - each praying for a safe return.

brenda w said...

There is strength in your words. Impressive piece.

RNSANE said...

Very beautiful and intense.

jabblog said...

Sleep brings nightmares so that to waken brings relief - you've expressed it so well.

Brian Miller said...

we used to play war in the woods out back...fighting imaginary foes...i am thankful for those that throw themselves in the way of the real ones...great write...

NanU said...

What a wonderful poem, Templeton. Welcome to the Jam!

Lena said...

Beautiful and touching. you have such a great talent. Good luck!

Shail Raghuvanshi said...

Nobody could have said it better. Just beautiful.....

Tours In Venice said...

Very moving, especially if this is supposed to be your first slam. Love the wording and how it flows so well together.

Sara

Poets United said...

As Poets United reaches its first anniversary this coming week we want to thank you for your support. Over the past year we have grown to 250 members plus and are steadily growing. Poets United is proud to have you as one of our members and look forward to another successful year. You imagination, creativity and willingness to share with us is what makes our community such a wonderful place. Thank you for beautiful poetry and thank you for being a part of Poets United.

Enchanted Oak said...

This is a vivid piece. I'm late getting around but am glad I got here to read your poem.

W.C.Camp said...

Very nice poem and I like the illustration too! W.C.C.

indie said...

I want to second that. Your drawing and poem are powerful together!


Indie

Life@Cee said...

Thank God for our service men and women who are keeping watch while we sleep. Beautifully written.