The Climber (Or Humpty Dumpty)

The wall he fell down was not steep, but the fall was far
beyond where a father could reach.

Like a falling star,
no more could he unbend in an instant what the hand of time
closed fingers on and claimed for its own.

He could not out climb his own sense of guilt.

Failing purpose, his legs too numb
and his breathing too harsh,
he lost purchase.

It was not much fun.

Alone and in pain, he lay down.
It was now his wish to forget, to be free, and to sleep.
Sleep would be a balm in a world that had tortured too long.
It would be a test
to see if at last he could rest.

Now his breath was calm.
He no longer thought of struggle and pain.
Peace was like a song
that only he was able to sing

and it fell like rain.