TO COME THIS CLOSE

who, by god
help us-what
have we
done
to ourselves
when- we did it-to us
-with backs were turned- where to
now,  as we run-to see the light
give in,  our take away
or stay put-
so why
should it matter, still
it does
can't you see-how
right now, if one
we all, act
get ready to do it- open your eyes
realize-to come this close
it's yours, my life-left to live-
if not hands up, no not yet
no never, or collapse under the weight
give it away, take it back, will we
should we, or surrender, in spite of it
all-to see through, for what end
too tired, we fight through, continue to
get hit and back up from - all the distractions
that seem to come here, there, every where  
at us -as we endure, disseminate, it all in, our own way

by Michael Perry