"42"

I set myself to write a poem
          But lacked a subject.
I sought inspiration
          Asked a friend,
               "What shall I write?"
                    The reply came "Life".
I floundered.
The immensity of such a topic!
          Questioning further: "Happiness".

"Walk with your face towards the sun,
     Your shadow will fall behind you." A quotation,
I forget from where and yet
          The meaning is clear.

I tried to dream up lofty words
          But had not a thing to say.
Confronted by infinity,
     I rub my eyes and stare.

The horizon looms ever in sight
               Yet untouchable.
                    There, and yet ... not.
          Visible but intangible.
     Clearly cloudy.
Murky.

"A drop in the ocean of eternity."
     A familiar resonance.
     Music sent by the Muse,
          Forgetfulness beckons.
We succumb.