Silent Stairs

The stairs are so silent now, all has been neatly arranged;
I begin to wonder how long will last this feeling strange.
When will end this change; How long until it's everyday?
I still feel a bit deranged in this place I now stay.
Is this always the way people like me must feel....
Are some among the unswayed, their nerves wrapped in steel.

Still don't believe it's real-- at last out on my own!
Did I make the right deal after all those moans and groans?
Was it worth all those stones that I was forced to throw:
I did what I wouldn't condone to shatter the shell and grow.
Where in the hell's the glow I thought to be lying in wait....
Never guessed it to be so slow once I reached this open gate.

Was I lured by false bait.... did I move my piece in haste?
Was this all prepared by fate-- hope its kindness wasn't misplaced.
I look for it.... there's no trace! Wonder if we could ever speak:
We could sit down, face to face-- Forget it! I'd act too meek.
Then, what is it I still seek: Isn't independence the grail?
After all, its been one week-- can't say today " I have failed ".

Why would I want to bail-- living there again is insane!
On this ship I'll keep asail, turning sternward to assure my bane.
There's so much here to gain and so much time to search;
Somewhere, treasures are lain, so I have to keep upon this perch.
At times, upon this weeping birch, I might fall from very high....
After some previous research, I know I can never fly.

There's no reason to ever cry if I can't reach lofty heights:
Nothing is worthy, in the sky, if I can't set upon it my sights.
I'm willing to wait for the lights to trip over this seafarer's bow....
For me, it won't be a plight that the stairs are silent now.

Go on to Voices Over a Wire

Return to Turning Ivory into Glass table of contents

Return to A Gathering of Fiends table of contents