POEM 14: An Evening at the Worktable

What do I see in a clear night?

I see not stars, but the dull black

Of my pen's tip when it kisses

The blank space on a clean sheet

What do I see in a clear night?

I see not constellations, but the rustic light rays

Emanating from the evening gas lamp

As it burns patiently and waits for me

What do I see in a clear night?

I see not nightlife, but the life at night

That unmistakably breeds creativity

And refills my empty palette

Once full with all of my favorite colors.

I do not always get a gaze at the moon

I do not always get to capture the night sky

But, at least

I get to paint on my own blank space

I get to experience sunrise after dawn

I get to build a vivid view of a life

Where in a clear night

I would not be enslaved by my screaming needs

But rather relieved that my hard work has paid

What do I see in a clear night?

I see stars, constellations, distant galaxies

And I see a dream, distant yet brightly calling me.

Written 7th March, 2021.

Poem copyright © 2021 by Peter Ryuken B. Hermosura, “An Evening at the Worktable”

Author's Annotations

An Evening at the Worktable is a short poem that reeks positivity, hopefulness, and determination to reach one's dream. It describes the narrator working hard even come nighttime to reach his dreams and explore the liberty and joy that comes with working at night. The narrator also makes sure to remember what exactly he's working for at the last stanza, closing off the poem with a high note.