I wrote this after a night of listening to The Doors first album (specifically The End) over and over. Looking back now, I think it is part tribute to Jim Morrison and part testament to innocence lost. Rereading this, I cringe on everything but that last verse. I don't know why, but I still kinda dig it and it still sounds good to me.
The Children Dance
© Copyright 1989 by Richard D. Bramante, Jr. All Rights Reserved
Have you ever reached
the boundary
of your being?
the boundary of your love?
the boundary of your compassion?
the boundary of your humanity?
Dressed in white
you reach the border
driven by curiousity
you go as an observer only
there exists no obligation
The children dance
their songs call you
somewhat willingly
you cross the divide
The boy looks back
and he smiles
you have released him
and you can never return
for the door opens but once
you know not what you have done
in fact, you know nothing
His eyes gleam
as he casts his last glance in your direction
a laugh issues
not a happy laugh,
but a mad laugh
and he walks away
as the sun burns into the mountains.
May 30, 1989