While Resting In An Ancient Orchard

While resting in an ancient orchard a branch broke
Down my gaping mouth it began my life to choke
Did not the majestic Hero Achilles too have his heel
Or better be, sympathy for stolen Helen now we feel?

Air so short, my mind saw new streaming lights
About to die, I thought of our wondrous nights
Years that had flown, how your image had faded
Or had just my indifferent darkness me so jaded?

Struggling hard, my last gasps I let out a vicious cry
Why, why on this accursed earth must I now die
And with that blast, a great power came over me
I tore back unwarranted wrath and set myself free!

Safe again, my tired soul asked the sky to shine
I would sing and dance for this newest lifeline
While dancing I tripped on a rock and downward fell
Another sad place I landed but now I refuse to tell.

While resting in an ancient orchard a branch broke
Down my gaping mouth it began my life to choke
Did not the majestic Hero Achilles too, have his heel
Or better be, sympathy for stolen Helen now we feel?

R.J. Lindley,
May 12th, 1979