Defunct.

I woke one night, threw back the sheets
Walked through aching lamp-lit streets
My eyes flew open. Life seemed so old
Drew back the curtain of the world
And found it cold.

Yellow, flared the burning lights
That shone upon a thousand nights
And saw a thousand men go by
Who never dared to know of love
To feel, to cry.

I knew then; dreams that could not be
Suddenly clear, too clear, to me.
My heart was broken. Life seemed so crude.
No more than seeking fame or wealth
Or sex, or food.

Each man, each woman, every child
By life betrayed and death beguiled.
Now horror shook me like a doll
And desperation opened wide
Swallowed me whole.

Now I watch as humans glut on wanton grief
Writing their notes to God; perfunctory, brief.
How function seems to line our wounds with salt!
When all that matters, all we love
Grinds to a halt.

My God! The cold breath of the air
The subtle stars which hang, and stare
Would that I ever could forget that chill
That pulled me close, and drank my tears
And holds me still.