Orion's Keep

Orion's Keep

The dripping of water, an incessant sound,
is my only companion, deep underground.
I lie in the darkness waiting for death,
praying for rescue and just one more breath.

Dreams of untold riches had brought me here
prospecting for gold, leaving my career
and my former life, cast off next to the road,
soon forgotten like some burdensome load.

So, westward I traveled, seeking my fame,
searching the mountains to stake a claim.
Gold eluded me; I found nary a flake.
All I discovered was empty heartbreak.

In spite of disappointment, the hunger grew
as day after day my search would ensue
until, late one night, as I stared at the skies,
Orion's brave figure captured my eyes.

The Hunter, I mused, as I sat by my fire,
his constant resolve was meant to inspire
and send me a message to never give up.
With newfound purpose, I picked up my cup.

Over the rim in the night, dark as coal,
gleaming like rocks with a firefly's soul,
I saw golden beacons, each sending out light.
I felt like a blind man who had found his sight.

I named my good fortune "Orion's Keep."
I dug into the hillside until I was deep
in the heart of the mountain, ever onward,
until reason's voice could no longer be heard.

"Just one more nugget, just one more foot."
My driving desire covered me like the soot
that sputtered from torches that lit the dark way.
"Just a little bit more ..." but greed had the last say.

With a rumble of pain, the mountain gave in;
the tunnel collapsed and trapped me within.
The end won't come quick; all I can do is wait.
Fate was the hunter and gold was its bait.

The dust makes me cough as my eyes strain;
my fingers can touch the pure golden vein.
In the hushed blackness, I finally see
the wealth that I sought has no value for me.

The dripping of water, an incessant sound,
is my only companion, deep underground.
I lie in the darkness waiting for death,
praying for rescue - with my last breath.

Notes
An entry in "FIVE STAR POETRY CONTEST:editor's choice"  [E]
Form: Quatrains

Thank you for taking time to read my words. I would appreciate it if you took a moment and left a comment. Your reaction, impressions, criticisms, - yes, even praise - are all equally welcome.

Ken