Waking Thoughts Poem by C Richard Miles

I have sought the keys of morning, for I’ve spent the night with the stars,
So my eyes, as I lie there, are longing for the sandman to loose them unlaced,
And there’s life to see and be living while the weary world watches and stares.

I have slumbered the sleep of timeless rest to forget the care-mountain stores,
So I gain the gateway of waking where I tap and ask with awe’s anxious lust:
“I have sought the keys of morning, for I’ve spent the night with the stars.”

The grey-faced gatekeeper’s wide eyes open, as memory within him stirs
But keeps me aching, waiting, as he reads and checks alarm clock’s waiting list
And there’s life to see and be living while the weary world watches and stares.

“Go rest awhile, ” he gently assures me, “The day’s still darkness downstairs;
Dream on and sleep so soundly, ‘til you return soon demanding at last:
“I have sought the keys of morning, for I’ve spent the night with the stars.”

I lie there fitfully musing, in reverie ‘til conscience arises and steers
My waking head to lift off the pillow, for there’s no precious time to be lost
And there’s life to see and be living while the weary world watches and stares.

For today’s new horizons bright beckon from peaceful, pleasant sleep’s pastures
And I can’t laze away any longer and there’ll be no sweet satisfaction, lest
I have sought the keys of morning, for I’ve spent the night with the stars
And there’s life to see and be living while the weary world watches and stares.