My heart haunts in its robes and chains
a mind miles and what-ifs away.
Constantly asking what life pertains to...
Were we meant to squander each day?

My heart weighs heavy as a ship beneath shore
begging to be discovered and gently raised.
But the water is dark and the chart unclear
who would seek a heart damaged and dazed?

My soul has been lost in a poker match
the winner grinning in a devilish roar.
I think that I saw it for sale, posted on ebay
the high bid was one dollar and nothing more.

My phone never rings and I never have mail
and friends have vanished on some unknown course.
Enemies have stayed closer than most shadows
I’ve cried so often...my life has become hoarse.

So, if you find my soul listed on that auction site
take good care for it is still a good soul
it has made a few mistakes in this poet’s life
but it has never went beyond my control.

And if you find my heart at the bottom of the well
treat it well for it is more than simply a ghost.
It can be polished beneath life’s lackluster
and will serve as your comfort and as your host.

©June 8, 2004 Lori S. Maynard