Amid the afternoon, I feel the walls come tumbling down
There's a warm and peaceful feeling that's encompassing the town
The streets are not as loud; 'tis a perfect time for rest
I'm feeling mighty weary; there's a pounding in my chest
The sidewalk—it is cracking; and the dirt is filling in
It's nothing but a metaphor; and nothing short of sin
No one can define this hungry semblance that they lack
And no one can describe this aching pain within my back
People seem to notice that I seem to notice them
They close their eyes and disappear—then I'm alone again
The looks are sympathetic; but they just don't give a heck
And none may dare to notice there are bruises on my neck
The downtown side is closing; everyone is going home
No one 'round to bother me; the streets are mine to roam
It's getting even later now; the stars pervade the skies
They ease my worried thoughts, and my constipated eyes
I sense a shielded gentleman; his eye is fixed on me
I must be doing something wrong, or here I would not be
Ima feelin' like a criminal; ima feelin' like I'm dead
I'm feeling out of balance—in my mind, and in my head
Yonder by the river is that melancholy feel
Nothing in my memory—to me—is quite as real
I slump down in the dirt and lay myself against the land
I'm cramping in my body; but mostly in my hands
Paralyzing memories of things both good and bad
Remind me what a fool I am, and all the things I had
What I've owned will follow me—through days and months and years
I'm playing back the things I’ve said; they're burning up my ears
There's nothing here—can benefit my oh-depressing mood
Maybe it is best I hurry home, and have some food
How can I elucidate the mess that is my clothes?
I trek in paranoia now; I'm bleeding from my nose
Suddenly, I realize that I just don't really care
No matter where I saunter, there is nothing for me there
Nobody—do I long to see; no one—I want to meet
I'm trembling all over; it hurts to move my feet
I sulk a little while; in more pity; in more pain
And since I am alone, I moan a bitter-sweet refrain
I aim to raise my spirits; but my spirit's going south
My bones are drying up now; it's the same inside my mouth
The time, it is not standing; no—I need to make a move
Nothing I should act upon; I've nothing left to prove
I figure that it's time I make my way on through the trees
I fear I'm growing brittle; there's a creaking in my knees
Nothing now can represent just where I need to go
I long for warmth and happiness—from a place I do not know
Shelter mocks and hates; but still, I need to leave this harm
I try to stay relaxed, but now I'm cramping in my arm
No one cares to look; but still—the eyes—they seem to stare
I try to mask my face—as if I'm messing with my hair
Nothing but a technical attempt—all for a fib
I'm feeling out of wind—for there's a burning in my rib
No further can I move; no—I need to take a rest
I need to catch my breath before I take my final test
Somebody is approaching—as I’m curling down beneath
I'm wondering who it is; I cannot help but grind my teeth
I see a hand reach forth and I'm preparing for the worst
I wonder what I've done—to lead a life so very cursed
I'm ready for my end; like in the stories, and the tales
First I wet my pants, and now I'm biting at my nails
Suddenly I'm lifted, and I feel a warm embrace
I'm filled with thoughts of tenderness; of peace and love and grace
The tears are ever-flowing, and no less are many cries
I feel a humble strength, and such a quivering in my thighs
The chips fall from my shoulders, and the monkey leaves my back
There's nothing more to disengage; there's only room to pack
I finally can live and breathe; I've found a brand new start
I'm finally complete now; I have Jesus in my heart
Vincent J. Vera
