The Empty Vessel Poem by Ashley Jarrett

For nearly as long as I can remember,
This vessel has been empty.
Though always seeking something,
It remains incomplete.

What is the worth of a soul that has been shattered?
Can it ever be whole again?
Pretending to act as if anything mattered,
Afraid to let anyone see in.

How does one mend tears in the spirit?
I cannot find it at the bottom of this bottle.
In my mind's eye,
I thought almost saw it,
But,
Who am I kidding?
It was just a slight rumble.

Too cowardly to leave this life,
Too cowardly to stay,
Caught in between worlds,
And the yoke tightens each and every day.

I watch the lives of others,
As they pass me by,
But a blur,
Rippling over the lake of time.
Why bother to join in,
If they are only to die?
Hovering on the outside,
I hold me and mine.

I pray for my children,
That they be not as dead as I am,
I pray for them,
They may seize life,
And grab it,
By the hand,
I pray they are not defeated,
Before they begin.
I pray they are never in shambles,
As I have been.