Battle of the Mind

The stories of my mind are like
Growing darkness, bursting light,
Flitting shadows, rumored wars,
Soaring clouds, and plunging stars.
 
Battle raging in my mind,
What will I do with you?
You take up energy and time;
I don’t know what to do!
 
Powerful warlords and dragons fierce;
Delicate dryads a breeze could pierce;
A kingdom of merfolk beneath the sea;
An army of centaurs roaming free;
 
Ghosts and goblins and fearsome things
That lurk in the shadows that morning brings;
Unicorns, fairies, and warriors of light
That withstand the darkness and put it to flight—
 
Fictional worlds flicker round my head
When I’m awake and when I’m in bed.
As I am dreaming the two worlds merge:
The one, my real life; the other, just words.
 
These stories that I love so well
Ensnare all of my time
And keep my mind enthralled
In all the space I set aside
 
For study or for times of prayer—
O Battle of the mind!
The stories seem the pleasanter,
But work redeems the time!