The Valley

A poem about depression. Not one of my issues, but one I've dealt with in loved ones.

Broken souls on rusting rails
lines of vacant cars going nowhere
ships with shattered masts and tattered sails
sad silhouettes against the sunrise glare

They once had a hope
before they lost the steam
and started down a slippery slope
losing all recollection of a guiding dream

People broken into twisted parts
like fine machines torn asunder
the fire extinguished from their hearts
by cold water as they go under

Sadness on them like a crushing stone
spirits trapped in draperies of chain
they walk through the Valley dry as bone
never a whisper of wind nor drop of rain

A guiding light is not enough
no warm hand can lead them from cold canyon
the walls are too steep, the trail too rough
there's nothing left to do but abandon