I hear
Lamentation

They would always start the chants by daybreak
Waking me from my already-light slumber
Allowing me to rub my weary eyes for moments
Before the deep chime of the bell signalled daylight

I could never understand
their devout worship
as they fell on their knees
murmuring words unheard to me

But somehow there was something about the air
Perhaps it was the incense always lit at the altars
Maybe it was the quiet drone of their prayers
Other times it must have been the sight of nature

Years and years I spent in its hallways
Always longing for the world outside
Dreaming for the odd heaven-sent journey
That would sometimes come flying my way

Now I have different dreams
Shown to me in elusive conical shades
Driving the roots of every reverie
Deep into my very core
Flashes of other years
Distant images unknown to me
Illuminated by every hue and colour
Lulling me gently

But what it is to dream differently
Yearn for the silence in the world
Creeping up to us on dusk
Sweeping apprehension

Finally I returned home
Dropping all my weight
Pressing my forehead over
to breathe.