is it life.

Is it life if I've not learned to laugh Or gaze upon a trembling star in midlife At midnight Is it life if I've not learned to inhale The salted breeze skirting the shores While in the midst of urban gloom Is it a pity that we dwell in silent places Lights kept low Manners high, nature hidden - camouflaged Is it life if I've not tried to sing Under showering cascades Or told a loved one to run free, That it's acceptable to cry And sometimes even be afraid Is it a pity that we listen fervently To words that lack community And separate, and cause misunderstandings And shake our faith until there's only unbelief Is it life if I learn not to embrace night And having risen from a fitful sleep Can tell myself That all is well -- That I must learn to live