Eroded Innocence
I look in the mirror – at the child by my side.
He chews on his toy – with in-depth concern.
What will he find in – the years up ahead?
Will ideals but shatter – his dreams in their crib?
Will emotions corrode – his chances in life?
Will his mind be axed – by the “other’s good will”?
Will he lose his belief – his link to the world?
Never finding balance – or knowing his wrongs.
Most heinous of all – I still have to ask.
Will love be snatched – from the warmth of his soul?
Through fallacy of self – death and delusion.
Through passionate lust – and boring confusion.
Oblivious to angst – he lies, and he rolls.
He gurgles and smiles – as I lift him to stand.
In spite of my prods – he’s blinded to see.
That death may consume – his Card King’s relief.
I mustn’t remain – and watch this again.
But turning away – he reaches to touch.
To grasp and to learn – to live and to be.
Unable to sense – know or believe.
A lifetime of thorns – so hard to foresee.
In spite of this cross – he crawls into gear.
Momentum builds up – advancing the clock.
But all that I have – to help him along.
Is hope that in time – the path will be paved.
And placement of feet – is not upon rocks.
As the weight of our life – is driven ahead,
By more than just him – depending on me.
Audio Version (To Be Added)
Copyright © Vasilios Theodorakis 1988
(5th poem written in 1988 – exact date of writing unknown)