Oh, live again!

That same sweet drifting pain
I slipped out of so long ago;
who'd ever think it could sweep in again
immersed in such an unlikely tide.

Deep piercing rays from eyes
peer from fathoms away yet
rivet my unseeing glaze into the mark
'til commanding realization rinses me sober.

This old keeper did not even have time
to sound the dirge for the wasted life
of the youth who drowned in his sleep
five or so years ago.

You swept in so silently sure
of the life that surged within
that keeper and youth could only spring
renewed with animated headiness.

LMC March 1982