A quiet Life of eminence

I dream with my eyes wide open,

Seeing both the good and the bad in the world.

I experience the failure and frailty of humanity,

Seeing these poignantly in myself most.

I'm an observer -- watching, seeing.

I ride the cold, thundering waves of life,

Feeling them move me up and down,

          high to low, to ecstasy, to despair.

I find myself alone in a crowded room,

Feeling empty -- searching for a safe haven,

          a home for myself.

I'm open to the world -- I feel the chill.

I cry to the world around me,

Come and smell these beautiful flowers,

          but I have thorns and dry grass.

I hope for those around me,

Taste this fine wine of life,

          but I have bitter water to drink.

I'm a doer -- come, let's conquer the world.

But there exists a deep gulf between me and them.

And it's a quiet life of eminence, my Friend,

          a quiet life of eminence.

(C) 2013