Shards of the Skyward Soul

Beneath the stars a soul once whole, 
Now fractured by the earth's cruel kiss, 
Dreamed of a life beyond the toll, 
Of peace that whispers soft like this. 

The world outside was vast and bright, 
With towers tall and windows wide. 
He asked why figures clung to height 
And learned they had no piece inside. 

Through fields of gold the journey wound, 
Where grain met sky in endless grace. 
"What feeds us all?" he softly found, 
"A truth etched deep in time’s embrace." 

A fire burned in days long gone, 
Where shells exploded fierce and loud. 
Some walked away; some never won, 
Their lives erased beneath the shroud. 

At gates where shadows danced with light 
An old ranch slept beneath the hill. 
The wind sang songs through depths of night 
Its voice both hollow yet so still. 

Above, a hawk traced loops divine, 
While clouds like pillows marked the air. 
Perhaps the gods would now align 
To grant us solace, free from care.