The Search Poem by The Jester

I can but ever look within
The darkest regions in my mind
Where all that wants to be can want
For nothing, and I often find
That somewhere in the shifting shade
Twisted tight for hand to hold
Among the ashes, night as coal
Lies brilliant shards of broken gold.
I look upon them, cast out longing
Still they shy and start to fade
And though I cry and beg them splendour
To not to be these thoughts were made
But always linger in the shadows
Such desire cloaked and cold
Whisper boxes must be opened
Murmur secrets must be told.
A wave of understanding crashes
Leaves confusion cast behind
Around my heart, I chase the ocean
I see it, yet swear I was blind.

But under stars, I hurt with reason
Like a weary hunter found
His quarry sleeping in a meadow
Motionless upon the ground
I reach towards them as they slumber
Misting breath upon their flank
And though it happens every sunrise
When they stirred, my sould still sank.
They flutter off into the greatness
Birds of mystery that sing
I hear their song so faintly, softly
It tells of none and everything.
I cannot lie, it pains me so
That they elude my every call
I taste them in the air beside me
Yet leap in faith, I always fall.

I gave them life and light to live
While pointed gold rests on my tongue
But when I waver, soothe me onwards
The chase, my very self are young
I do protest with all my being
I cannot master mind or heart
That dwell inside my cage of knowing
From sense, I cannot now depart.

They have me held in iron bindings
Chained against a cutting rain
They strike me, yet they kiss me warmly
Frozen lips cause far more pain.
Somewhere I see through half-closed eyes
I know for certain I would sway
Pull down the sky and close the world
Not greet the night or rue the day
But if I speak without fell grace
A merry war, we always wage
I could not leave my mind to falter
Untended fire dies of age

I chase the shards without remorse
I shall not, will not let them be
Time will kneel, and they will show me
What I know I have to see.