The Well

We sang a song at summer camp

About a boy who falls into a well.

I am still falling

Into the well of memory.

Upon its sides are shards

Of glass that cut me as I fall.

The well has no bottom

That would stop the pain

Of everything I remember.

I awaken from my dreams

Only to find I'm still falling.

This is my punishment

For all the hours 

Of useless life I've lived.

When I discovered

The memories I have

Of all these years,

I cringe as I pass

Another sharp piece

Slices the shreds of skin

On what is left of me.

This is my punishment.

I am where I belong.

It is dark.

It is painful.

I am shamed.

Others may fall in front

And behind me.

Of them, I am unaware.

I have been unaware of others

All my life as I ran over

So many.

Be assured I suffer

Every mistake

Now that I am alone

As I fall through the memory

In a dark and dangerous well.

Barry G. Wick