ENTRANCING TEMPTATIONS

In the light of spring and summer

when all is green and bright and new,

I get news of you before the dew has gone from leaf and path,

those sad damp patches now describe your plight, 

and in the dim-lit morning

tell your message to the world

that all is not so good, so joyful;

while birds sing in the wood of coming blooms,

there are those whose minds are full of gloom,

whose pains seize their intent,

and squeeze and twist their glance away 

from sweet temptations that entrance.

And while the dew drops dance their drips 

on petals blue, white, yellow,

their thoughts are dull and mellow, 

not inspired, retired, their senses, 

feelings at an ebb

as if caught in that dew bespangled web, 

a fly, so small an offering 

to fates firm and powerful hand, 

If only we could understand 

their helpless dark depression, 

not even an obsession 

brought on by weakness for a drug,

but given the life we have, they have no choice

and face it, almost with a shrug.

What can we healthy beings do but smile, 

to help them climb back out of their despair,

we try to help repair their sickness

offer our sweet happiness, as best we can,

and hope we make a difference, turn the sand.