FANTASY QUEST
by A.W. GAYLORD


The last of the poets
went out into the cold,
nothing but dreams
did he have to hold.
Standing on the edge of time
between the shore and sea,
his spirit broke away from chains of death
to life did finally flee.
He soared above
concrete and steel,
trying to find
a place to feel.
All his feelings
hidden deep inside,
upon which no one
dared to ride.
The last of the seekers
went out to find,
only to see
a world gone blind.
There deep inside his head
between genius and insanity
he seeks a light he knows does shine
somewhere in reality.
Searching high
searching low,
searching for
his own dream to know.
Looking for somewhere free
where he doesn't have to be
some one else's menagerie.
The last of the jesters
told his last joke,
to a world that could only
jeer and poke.
His audience laughed,
his audience cried,
while deep inside
the jester died.
He was looking
for someone who could see,
beneath his clownish fantasy.
To accept him
without the mask,
he wore to perform
his jesters' task.
The last of the lovers
went to search for a heart,
pure and simple
of him to part.
He searched the world
over and over again,
only to find
no one to comprehend.
That love is love
only when given free,
not to be taken
like fish from the sea.
So he followed life's path
that led to the door,
where the poet, the seeker,
and the jester did soar.
The poet stood
with the door opened wide,
he said with a smile
" Come step inside".
" Sit and talk
with us relax,
I am sure you have
many questions to ask".
" For we all have traveled
upon this road,
we all have carried
this heavy load".
So with a sigh and a grin
the lover stepped in
and slowly confessed his sin.
In turn
every one did speak,
telling each other
of all they did seek.
When they were finished
the room became still,
there was not one sound,
no not one; until.
A light appeared
right before their eyes,
from their spirits
the truth did rise.

The last of the teachers
went to see,
if she could find students
of reality.
There she stood
in ethereal light,
total embodiment,
of fairness and light.
With amber eyes flashing,
and streaming white hair,
you could tell she had
all wisdom to share.
She knew all
that was true and pure,
of this she told them
they could be sure.
First to the poet
did she begin to speak,
of all the things
he dared to seek.
Of everything
he sought to write,
in the freedom
of his flight.
Many mysteries to him
did she say,
as she spoke,
he found the way.
To loose forever
the chains on his soul,
each word healing.
making him whole.
When she was finished
every word done,
fear died
and love at last won.
Next to the seeker
did she direct her speech,
into his soul
did her mysteries reach.
She told him why
the world couldn't see,
there was no love
in their reality.
Their dreams empty
their purposes vain,
exchanging riches
for pleasurable pain.
She taught him
about life's game,
gave him purpose,
and a new spirit's name.
Now within
her pure light,
he saw love
precious and bright.
Yes! He knew now
who he must be,
love incarnate
for eternity.
Next to the jester
she did speak
showing him
he was no sideshow freak.
She had him perform
for everyone there,
to show him that
love is to share.
As everyone laughed,
and everyone cried,
love conquered
and fear finally died.
For he saw
within his own jest,
seeing that love
was an unseen guest.
He never knew
was deep inside,
that is why the people
laughed and cried.
Because he performed
with love pouring out,
keeping none for himself
and doing without.
Next she spoke
to him with the heart,
he it was
with soul torn apart.
With tears falling down
the side of his face,
wondering if love
in this world had a place
Silently their eyes
met through the night,
hearts melting together
souls taking flight.
She gracefully kissed
each tear as it fell,
rising his spirit
from solitudes Hell.
He knew all at once
that his dream had come true,
love was the answer
for everything blue.
With the last spirit mended
the teacher did go,
back to the realm
where all beings know.
That dreams
can come true,
if you follow
them through.
To the door on life's path
at the end of the road,
where love she waits,
to lessen your load.