MIRAGE

I saw the man today,
Yet had nothing to say,
He seemed the same as ever,
Just older everyday.
Each day I greeted morn,
With his form upon the tide,
Years I saw him thus,
With his shaggy dog beside.
He loved that dog, I know,
As he whispered things to it,
Still the dog disobeyed his master,
For he stood when told to sit.
Once I saw them dancing,
An hour without fail,
Only when they stopped I concurred,
That they were chasing each other’s tail.
I hope I see them tomorrow,
And all days yet to rise,
For they give me deep solace,
Life’s sermon from the unwise.

I woke up today, ages ago,
Stood up for my prayer,
The day had dawned as usual,
But the man was not there.
I crossed the road in haste,
Feeling a crippling dread,
And stared with mute surprise,
At the empty makeshift bed.

I stand by my footpath,
The night has fallen down,
My feet hurting and sore,
From running all round the town.
Just when I wanted,
To calm my weary feet,
My dog whimpered softly,
Demanding his hard earned treat,
I laughed at his fallen face,
And leaned close upon his ear,
Saying with untamed glee,
Secret my do hear.
It was my mocking test,
I have passed and you did rightly fail,
I took you through the town,
Chasing your own tail.