I dare you
Never to dream
Because hope
Defies expectation,

And fear
Resembles achievement
Closer than life
That we know –

A sullen belief
Always near
Never right
But somehow persistent

When gauging strength
During silence
Or our answer
Failing with faith,

Like the feelings
God must inflict
As importance
Comes from us changing

After facing days
Keeping quiet
Since more idleness
Offers such tests

For savoring
Things letting go
And forgetting friends
Barely noticed

Where times long gone
Stay remembered
Taking risks
Against what is loved.

Make sure
They grieve while alive
Being here
Though better off learning

Most every fate
Always falters
If chasing proof
Still unknown –

Much how words
Go unread
Out of tired pens
Growing certain

Their empty phrase
Misses meaning
Faking death
Before going home.

• J. Pigno