This Day's Lease

Down in the hollow what was this meant to be?
           It was meant to be an escape where dreams are leased for free.
Down in the hollow what was this meant to be?
           It was meant to be chastity without recourse for agreeing.

Down in the dreary what was sleep meant to be?
           It was meant to be an island where dreams wash the salty seas.
Down in the dreary what was sleep meant to be?
           It was meant to be a chase scene living the cost of fantasy.

Down in the morrow what was this meant to be?
           It was meant to be a rising where eyes search the scene.
Down in the morrow what was this meant to be?
           It was meant to be a shadow without remorse for seeing.

Down in the merry have you heard what’s to be?
           It was meant to be coming like a penniless thief in retreat.
Down in the merry have you heard what’s to be?
           It was meant to be sorted long ago without the struggle for peace.

Up on the landing where guides the bitter breeze,
           Were you not a loner asking for more than what you teased?
Up on the landing where guides the bitter breeze,
           Were you not a sinner in praise of the faintest river reed?

Up on the fairway where sleeps the bitter breeze,
           Were you not awaiting the longest day to set the harrowing scene?
Up on the fairway where sleeps the bitter breeze,
           Were you not a scholar immersed in his own incompetent screeds?

Up on the tanning where guides the bitter breeze,
           Were you not a merchant on the harbour affixed to treaties?
Up on the tanning where guides the bitter breeze,
           Were you not a sailor hands on rope in his time of need?

Up on the staircase where creeps the fetching breeze,
           Are you not hounded for the past mistakes you try to appease?
Up on the staircase where creeps the fetching breeze,
           Are you not astounded for the disaster that was this day’s lease?

• 02/03/14, Gisborne