Poetry – Page 27 – Carl Setzer: Word Shaper

Not quite

“Almost” escaping
Leaving my lips far too fast
Birthing new regrets

An empty focus
Driving towards reflexive goals
Neglecting one’s soul

Daring to speak words,
Empowerment of progress.
Seeking real change.

Germs descended here
Embattled body withers
May healing soon come

Upon windy voice,
Echoes of history call;
Resist cyclic doom.

Still, fears rise up
Providing discomfort
And misery; wakefulness
When I seek sleep.

See culture’s mirror
Brutality’s rough edges
Reality’s pain

Simple acts of welcome
Gentleness, arms over shoulders
Creating a glorious web
Safety, enabling growth

Potential
Sits upon the edge
    Waiting
      Waiting
    For the gift
      Of action

Nighttime in Shanghai
Light escaping darkness
Glittering brilliance