Which side of a dream is real?

Inside the Cave
by Michael Doyle

In this slumber we call life
Some prefer peace over strife
To these, I find that I agree
But, that hasn't been the life led by me

Praying by the cross at your grave
I think more of the people I could not save
Than those of whom I was able
Clinging tight to what some call fable

Late at night, when shadows creep
I find it is not easy for me to sleep
Laying awake, thinking of the past
From long ago when the die was cast

There is no safety any more
Life has long since closed that door
Obeying orders only goes so far
Life must be lived by a higher bar

Some may speak to me of duty
Unquestioning even in the face of life's beauty
Streaming down in a trail of tears
Are my thoughts of duty's years

Felt hard like a near fatal crash
I want my life to be more than dine and dash
This life's test is but a blip in eternity
As I struggle toward my immortality

Mother don't you dig me my grave
I still have more that I might save
Don't speak to me of all that I gave
I have glimpsed the truth inside the cave

(c) August 9, 2020  Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved