Ode to Sanity

ODE TO SANITY

by Donna M. Gray

Weeping, weeping, heavy heart;

Swollen lids from tears that flow as waterfalls;

Cry not, for there is hope beyond your wildest dreams;

Tho oft it seems the drummer missed a beat.

Be calm, speak words of simple wisdom;

as speaking to a child... direct, precise!

What say? I am not understood? What do I mean?

Did I not simply state in language

Children understand?

Listen! Listen to my words!

Read my lips, if this you must!

They say that walls have ears; I'm sure they heard...

They surely comprehend what I have spoken.

You ask again exactly what I mean?

You blankly stare... as though I utter not a sound?

Perhaps my vocal cords are gone...

Or else there's deafness in this room!

I must be mad! Confused! Beyond communication!

And yet, within one hours time, I spoke with those who clearly heard;

They listened to my every word,

Responding just as tho I spoke their tongue!

Escape! Leave this place, this vacuum of despair!

Become part of the living, breathing world.

Escape from those who gaze out into space;

Those who live beyond reality and dwell on naught!

Oh lovely world, so fresh and warm and real!

Where have I been so long that I did doubt?

'Tis not my mind, my voice, my hearing that is gone!

For I do hear the drummer loud and clear!

In step with time, the tune, and all the world around me;

There is no doubt, tho there were times I thought...

But, no! One cannot outwit reasoning and logic;

'Tis those within the grip of madness, who would even try!