Longing for blackness searching tunnels
tasting empty wells. How many times?
Ten times ten times ten. Ten thieves
have stolen our souls.
Lost in ignorance with plastic eyes
cosmetic sneers, they find illusion
in their own reflections.
Seven times seven times seven.
The shards of their mirrors are crushed.
Slivers of glass will be their food.
Many are lost to poverty stranded in
pools of despair. They crouch in
corners, eating the air of distrust.
Three times three times three
faith hope charity.
Which is the greatest of these?
Do you know true charity?
Tracing old constellations to find
nourishment. Though I have heard
the great silence, stood in golden warmth
filled with pure light...I am not yet free.
One times one times one.
In wild thirst, starved by sorrow,
in tears...I search for solace.
--
Joan McNerney’s poetry is published worldwide in over thirty-five countries in numerous literary magazines. Four Best of the Net nominations have been awarded to her. The Muse in Miniature, Love Poems for Michael, and At Work are available on Amazon.com. A new title Light & Shadows has recently been released.