“Like incense smoke in the still air.” (Jack Lagoria)

Gloom

by Jack Lagoria

Sadness rises up around me,
Like incense smoke in the still air.
A cloud of despair enfolds me,
And clutch me to its heart
In an embrace that no human
Power can break.

Must I forever live in
Black and purple vapors?

Is there no God that can
Set me free?

Can’t I for just one moment,
One moment of all eternity,
See the stars?