The Mark of Cain

cain’s mark, an unstable man

groaning and shaking on the earth

unable to release his grasp

or be the man he could be



stains of the past

scar for life

as the past passes one by

if not for you, then who?



healing eases the pain

but memories remain

leaving scars

and crosses to bear



healing, forgiveness

remembrance or a warning

that mark comes with a great burden

and a sacrificial cost?

© 2018 michael d emmerich

Our Mortal Coil

this life

this mortal coil

to be or to live

shedding this toil

just how long is the life

we choose to live

close your eyes and dream

if you dare



gaze through the window

what looks back

in the stain-glass

an image

a reflection

or

nothingness



look beyond the window

into the distance

at our own possibilities

over the horizon

beyond the veil

a probable future

awaits
........

tear that veil

© 2017 michael d emmerich