Purgatory

a discovery of purpose and hope when all seems lost
have others been here before?
it seems so desolate, though still pristine.
a vacant mirage of underwhelming mediocrity.
how can one or two conspire against its gravity?
others undoubtedly occupy this exact locality,
      yet are lost to themselves if not
              lost to us.

encouraging words whispered chillingly in the washed-out twilight.
            intent to inspire distorted by its own
                  well-meaning conspires instead
            to appease cruel influence.

echoes, as if muted underwater;
       not fiery and sharp as forged,
no, diluted by this place.

though i know we're not the first,
though i know we're here together,
       it seems so lonely and serene,
as if no one was here before.
as if they might linger nearby,
      still and silent.

mustering all my strength,
  i scream to stir the masses holden here.
  a scream intended, but a whisper conjured.

echoes, as if muted underwater;
       not fiery and sharp as forged,
no, diluted by this place.

i turn, expecting to find you;
       an empty space awaiting my wanton stare.
bereft.
    defeated.
        on my knees, head down.
                     forsaken.

as hopes fades fast and i faster,
  something catches my eye,
             a glimmer,
    a slight pressure
    as you place your hand on my shoulder.

rolling my head reluctantly, i close my eyes
  and hesitate opening them
for fear this redemption imagined might flicker and disappear.
   overpowering this place to cast them open,
     my eyes dart to you, your beauty, your strength.
     your smile blushes the dismal gray rosey.

loves echoes, unmuted and amplified
  by this place. fiery and sharp,
     though unintended.
are we first to conquer this place?

Created by Brad Lhotsky around December 2010.