Times Beyond Recall

(Ten-Line Ballade)

If seasons grow from seeds we plant out here
To grow and bloom to make another day
From barren earth and life lived so austere
That shoots seem bright and green against the grey
That dulls the eye and mind, unable to say
Just why the featureless expanse outside
Reminds us still of days we sat and cried
For all we lost and left behind, to fall
Into forgetfulness, and then reside
Here within days of times beyond recall.

These delicate and tender shoots, so near
To touch and closer to life, and decay,
Than anything we know, or touch, or fear.
These shoots will grow beyond this single day
Into a life that shows us this new way
Will grow around us all and all we tried
To make from what we found before it died,
And turn around discover what befalls
Those who can only ever speak with pride
Here within days of times beyond recall.

Each tender growth we nurture, save and rear
All growing up beyond this heavy clay
That pulls us down so deeper past this year
Of waiting, wanting, needing no delay
Preventing time from taking us away
From failure, loss and that slow suicide
Away from all that grows on this hillside
Towards a life half-lived that will appal
All who can know and touch this countryside
Here within days of times beyond recall.

What grows up here will show we never lied
About what can become, and only tried
To grow some small garden, behind this wall
To turn towards with some small quiet pride
Here within days of times beyond recall.