the purpose

my moma told me
there'd be days
like this
and those of you
who have been ill
or known illness
in someone dear
so close to your heart
it hurts so much
will know what I mean
and when I say ill
I mean ill
really ill
so ill
you do not know
how long ill

well today
is one of those day
when you cannot
find the purpose
in the shed
or under the bed
or rusty toolbox
or on top of the wardrobe
where you put it safe
a while ago
in case someone tried
to steal it
but now you cannot
even remember that
never mind what day it is
or where your glasses are
and half-way
on a long walk
you cannot remember
if you left the house wide open
with just the cat
on the mat asleep
to guard your worldly goods
to what purpose

life has to have a purpose
and a faith
which you will not find
under the sofa
with all the other things you've lost
or in the sky amidst the clouds
or on a beach amongst the pebbles
or even in bed with your love
unawares
unknowning
how troubled
your soul is

yes
it is
such a day
you pray for it to end
but not forever
just for a short while
to rest your pain
so your eyes
not flashes of pain feel
but see
all the wond'rous stars
of heaven



Poetry by Peter Humphreys The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 951 times
star mini Editors' choice
Written on 2010-02-22 at 16:47

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ZARIFE DEMIR
Well poem!
2010-03-02


Editorial Team The PoetBay support member heart!
This text has been chosen to be featured on the front page of PoetBay. Thank you for posting it on our poetry web site.
2010-02-26



Gripping the most vulnerable things in me, this...

What can we do but take good care of the wonderful moments, collect them with care .. one day they might add up to some consolation.

Such a strong text. Much love to you.
2010-02-23


Elle The PoetBay support member heart!
Dear Peter, this is such a touching and real poem, that expresses those moments where the trials of life seem unending - you put into words what only those of us can think - I hope that you are well and keeping safe. If ever you need an ear - please email.

Elle x
2010-02-23


jenks The PoetBay support member heart!
such awful trials happen to us.
i do hope the stars shine for you...
thank you for writing so well.
2010-02-23


Eli The PoetBay support member heart!
Deep and longing and human. Thanks for sharing and connecting.
2010-02-23


shells
My purpose of life has eluded me many a time, you have captured the ordinariness of life, profound sadness and a little respite hopefully in the wonderous stars.
2010-02-23


Stan Cooper The PoetBay support member heart!
great sad read, but Peter, whoever said there was a purpose?

Stan
2010-02-22


Rob Graber
Thanks for blessing the bay with this poignant, provocative, and painful write, Peter.
2010-02-22


NicholasG
This ain't the easiest piece to comment on when the glove fits yesterday, but hopefully not today.
I think how close this comes to home is directly proportional to the quality of the writing, or at least my perception of it. Ouch :-)
Tomorrow we will grab the bull by the horns! Cheers, Nick
2010-02-22