The Song Of The Recluse (Poetry)

I must go out —
into the world once more —
feel the sun upon my face
the breeze sigh soft against my skin
and watch the tide’s cold race

to reach far up the rock-strewn shore
and wet the bone-dry land
see questing waves like fingers crawl
to claim the shifting sand

I need to witness one more time
a full moon in the sky
and smell the forest after rain
its incense floating high

I yearn a little in my soul
for those sensations lost
when I retreated — closed my door
chose peace at any cost

Now age has somehow tuned my heart
my ears prick to each sound
that filters through from what’s beyond
vibrations underground

revive dull interest long asleep
since woken sharp to find
familiar walls are crowding in
escape is on my mind

I have to leave this sanctuary
and take the chance to lie
beneath the stars and count them all
once more before I die.