Is there solace
Yet to be claimed
From surviving wars
Between shadows,

Like a phantom door
Among memories
Found in hallways
Only at night –

Each skipping beat
My true key
For this corner room
Never noticed

During morning’s veil
Hiding symptoms
Through distractions
Daylight permits?

Another routine
Passing locks
Making handles beg
Our attentions,

Unlatching bolts
Toward old spaces
Missing windows
Shunning new sights –

Where sun so bold
Stifles air
And hope grows stale
Behind curtains

Fearing dimness
Proves everlasting
Haunting men who miss
Lonely thoughts.

These aching words
Do agree
Such painful dreams
Should inspire

What phrase remains
Knowing poets
Write their best
When ghosts will attack –

While shapes enfold
Every breach
Life’s battered walls
Leave neglected,

Often cracks themselves
Being monsters
Storming studies
Mansions forget.

• J. Pigno