Holding On
James M M Baldwin
Unnaturally wide, imploring eyes,
oddly locked, unblinking,
knowing, yet unknowing,
wanting,
pleading eyes.
Saltwater rivers of forgotten origin
roll in tumults
from sullen hollows
in undetermined paths
toward eternal destiny.
Raised brows furrow,
nose stretched low,
upper lip tense
with anxiety-stricken fear,
fear of darkness,
fear of fear,
terror.
Mouth agape,
jagged, picket fence,
a quiver of attempted speech.
No words,
no explanation,
no cry for help.
A grown infant’s silent longing for familiar
but finding only unfamiliar.
Gaunt fingers grasp
a descendant’s hand,
clasped,
squeezing,
unrelenting embrace of awareness.
