All I do is think about you
What the hell is wrong with me?
I just can’t seem to help myself
I try, I really do try
You won’t leave, even though you did

Am I the fool I think I am, I must be?
You don’t want me, you told me that
enough times…enough times
that it should have sunk in by now
It hasn’t, well it has but I don’t care

I stand before a mirror
and tell myself,
“Forget her, she has forgotten you”
My reflection ignores me, mocks me
I can’t hear myself, I don’t want to hear myself

It does no good to close my eyes,
opened or closed I see you
Hiding beneath a blanket,
a pillow over my head,
I still see you

You are every where, every sunrise,
every hummingbird outside my window,
every raindrop dancing on the sidewalk,
every poem I read through tear stained eyes,
everything that is me, or was me

My heart won’t listen to me anymore,
I won’t listen to me anymore
I can’t…I can’t because,
all I do is think about you

Do memories remain after you’re dead?

~

Naked?

On an island
in the midst of the crowded street
Traffic lights blink
as colored tear drops hit the pavement

One way signs
all seem to point in your direction
casting aspersions,
via black and white arrows

Sidewalks filled
with throngs of gawking onlookers,
mouths wide open,
peering from the side of their faces

You hang your head,
chin against your unclothed chest
and you see
not one, but two shadows on the asphalt

Suddenly you are
draped in the finest cloth money can buy,
shielded from the audience
who now divert their attention elsewhere

Turning, you see a friend,
naked, as his clothing now adorns your body
waving to the crowd
proclaiming…I have faced the same fate

Your beauty my passion
Your love is my light
Your kiss my desire
I need you tonight

I saw soft eyes on the promise fueled sunset
coffee dark skies in a marmalade blush
Pastels now tinted of wayward decisions
Hummingbirds sing in a smooth whispered hush

Corn field desires drain simplistic notions
Run with me there down the row ever straight
Listen,  our hearts speak in feathered emotions
Love stands to prove is is never too late

~


I saw soft eyes on the promise fueled sunset
Coffee dark skies in a marmalade blush
Pastels now tinted of wayward decisions
Meadowlarks sing in a smooth whispered hush

Corn field desires drain simplistic notions
Run with me there down the row ever straight
Listen,  our hearts speak in feathered emotions
Love stands to prove it is never too late

Next stop Goodwill

Wearing thin and edges frayed
An old jacket with empty pockets
Saved for what…closet fodder
Mixed in with relevance
Old memories of that time
When winter meant something
And warmth was welcomed

Missing a few buttons, threadbare
Elbows faded from too much thought
Once a good friend, a perfect fit
Clinging to a wire hanger, fabric wings grow
Staring at the new fashion, in style
Unread leather everyone sees
Can’t wait to touch…peruse

Spring brings flowers and cleaning
A black plastic trash bag…hefty
Tossed to the bottom in a heap
A tax deduction…space reduction
Soon to be forgotten, if not already
Worn out, replaced by current, different, unique?
Next stop Goodwill

Fragile wings of stained glass rainbows
Endless your uncharted flight
Still I face the window staring
Praying you fly by this night


Longing in this darkest hour
Emptiness my heart does breathe
Forever more I shall be waiting
Eternally I shall believe

Night time brings a silence,
a loneliness that drags hours
through the mind's corridors

Winding past words shared
during the day, earlier promises,
affectionate offerings found my eyes,
longing for merely a touch from
far away wishes, rubbing brass lamps,
picking four leaf clovers...

I was asked, " Is there anything you can't do?"

What I can't do hurts more than what I can
and what I can do doesn't matter
because of what I can't

So here I sit on Valentine's night alone,
dreaming of you, wondering where you are,
imagining us...hoping you are too,
in this silence and loneliness that
night time brings

~

No dial tone

Sweet the scent of never knowing
faceless fears and silhouettes
blooming on a hillside
of aqua thoughts and turquoise slippers
changing the colors from dark to light,
blending heartache with feathered features,
transparent in the scheme of these feelings

When disturbing the ant pile it is better to walk off…
then ask directions

Sitting at the table as jealous waiters
take orders from no one, casting neon signs
of daily specials on a blue plate avenue
in rush hour foot traffic, bringing detours with the bill,
expecting a healthy tip for having drawn the blinds
hiding you from peering eyes
and evil grins

Always check the silverware for evidence of previous users
before placing a napkin in your lap

Night brings with it the casualties of a day job,
lonely dreams scattered on splintered park benches
beneath a flickering street lamp illuminating graffiti poems
and wrong phone numbers…
silent as the one you hold in your hand,
wishing for a lighted screen, displaying her name
knowing it will not come

Dialing directory assistance for help in locating
the broken heart app

~

Sitting on this roof,
seeing the colored lights in neighboring windows
finding frosted panes in abstract happiness,
as winter’s wind howls about my face

Speakers blare in cramping holiday tones,
(What’s so wonderful about it ~ this time of year?)
Shingles damp and slippery,
still I hold on for dear life

Fingers numb but clinging,
for without my seated sadness
on this peak above chimney ash
watching streams finding the edge

how else would those muddied
tear drop icicles form?

~

Then I hear it on shivering vibrations
A voice from ~ out there ~ somewhere
A shadow beneath a flickering street light
Footprints in circles about the square

Moving in my direction
My silhouette on white clouds shimmies
A little to the side, for a better view
Wings ~ it has ~ she has wings

I blink a frozen eyelash ~ she is sitting next to me
A warm, feathery quilted wing about my shoulders
Chilled cheeks burn as I smile
and my heart melts as she whispers to me ~

*“No more icicles”

When was the last time you fell in the water
Drank from a glass that was christened with wine
Jumped on a mattress of Hollywood fodder
Snuffed out a candle before it was time

Ran in a circle with never an ending
Sat in a chair where the arms were too tall
Straightened an accent of far eastern trending
Dialed a phone without someone to call

Climbed up a hill that was flat as a table
Sang in the key of an unopened lock
Found that your nightmare was only a fable
Started to roll but forgot how to rock

Wrote out a poem that everyone hated
Hid in a corner where spiders would play
Answered a question your heart had negated
Rented a room but had no place to stay

These are just words of a mind without sleeping
Some are confusing and some they are not
Please do not ask why this poem I’m keeping
There is no reason or I just forgot

Sometimes this happens and words start a’ flowing
Making no sense but who cares at this time
Anne did the same with her practice piece showing
Just a collection of words that may rhyme

I have been known for the love I have written
So I must add a few lines that are true
This may be crazy, but know I am smitten
Nonsense is nonsense but I do love you

Softly flows the sunset colors
painted on tired skies with fire
Igniting a wafting cloud in orchid tints,
the fresh scent of pine lingering within its escape

Drowsy horizons boast their claim
along seaside waverings in salted mist
Romance swims on shorelines engulfed
with all of the pageantry a white cap stanza can bring

And I whistle as I walk along,
taking in this wonder that has followed me home
Resting on a porch swing, feet off the ground
as morning glories sleep beyond white painted balustrades

Satin fingers intertwine with mine,
milk pudding lips bring their flavor to me
Luscious frosting in a whipped frenzy
coating my mouth in sugary mass

I point to the sky, the stars they beckon,
heart shaped constellations for two
Twinkling in your twilight eyes
as I reach for my pen and pad

Only to realize that this indeed is my imagination,
lounging on a worn out sofa, tattered cushions,
empty beer cans acting like so many wishes
leaving wet rings on a table, but who cares

There was a time when poetry flowed
from these lonely fingers
in paisley emotions and violet scentings
climbing the arbor of love

But since you left,
leaving behind the shadows which claim my eyes
my ink is dry and my paper tossed, tiny ***** in random patterns
on a floor that begs carpeting, but only bares soiled footprints

As I struggle to my feet, to the front window
desperately waiting for the grass to grow and daisies…
I stab the wooden sill with my pen, I need it no more, for…
there is no poetry without you…and never will be again

Like block shaped wheels our lives stumble at the chapters we write
Corners seem dark and teeming with doubt,
alleyways call in echoes of our name,
as if tempting us to crawl when we cannot walk

                “Fear begins the parade at our fragile hearts”

Shades are drawn and slotted with eyes watching,
voices ring the halls of the buildings looming large,
rumors of pointed fingers find our ears in colander fashion,
dripping fear at our feet

                “Waves conduct sound, crashing vividly as we hear”

We cry,
hoping these tears will somehow wash the pain,
fill the gutters and move out to sea,
casting waves upon unsuspecting shores

                “Wishes…more waste than want…at least of these eyes”

When of the shadows a touch,
softly at first, then strong upon our shoulders fall…
comfort leaps to our hearts in sing song praise,
wishes become goals and finish line adventures

                “What is this light, soft yet sure, found within”

We are not alone, darkness hints at light
and butterflies fill our air with prism’d colors and soft breezes
collecting on our damp cheeks and drying the aftermath
of our understanding of reality

                “Dreams of these nightmares fade into happiness”

We find footprints in the dirt…two which are not our own,
closely, yet affectionately following our way and bringing direction
to our dreams, yet the nightmares still flourish
but we do not feel so alone

                “Fences built may keep us in yet… may keep us out”

For this hand, from a distance,
climbing mountains and fording rivers
leads our hearts to the safety of love just beyond the bricked wall,
the ivy covered monolith, the chain link disaster
which once stood locked

                “Finding that a breath may exhale peace…again”

Now stands open of the arbor of hibiscus
blooms and teapot pourings fore our eyes…open and hopeful of the coming truth
once lost beyond our dreams…and we breathe
for it feels right to breathe while standing in the darkness…not alone

Not alone


Like block shaped wheels our lives stumble at the chapters we write
Corners seem dark and teeming with doubt,
alleyways call in echoes of our name,
as if tempting us to crawl when we cannot walk

                “Fear begins the parade at our fragile hearts”

Shades are drawn and slotted with eyes watching,
voices ring the halls of the buildings looming large,
rumors of pointed fingers find our ears in colander fashion,
dripping fear at our feet

                “Waves conduct sound, crashing vividly as we hear”

We cry,
hoping these tears will somehow wash the pain,
fill the gutters and move out to sea,
casting waves upon unsuspecting shores

                “Wishes…more waste than want…at least of these eyes”

When of the shadows a touch,
softly at first, then strong upon our shoulders fall…
comfort leaps to our hearts in sing song praise,
wishes become goals and finish line adventures

                “What is this light, soft yet sure, found within”

We are not alone, darkness hints at light
and butterflies fill our air with prism’d colors and soft breezes
collecting on our damp cheeks and drying the aftermath
of our understanding of reality

                “Dreams of these nightmares fade into happiness”

We find footprints in the dirt…two which are not our own,
closely, yet affectionately following our way and bringing direction
to our dreams, yet the nightmares still flourish
but we do not feel so alone

                “Fences built may keep us in yet… may keep us out”

For this hand, from a distance,
climbing mountains and fording rivers
leads our hearts to the safety of love just beyond the bricked wall,
the ivy covered monolith, the chain link disaster
which once stood locked

                “Finding that a breath may exhale peace…again”

Now stands open of the arbor of hibiscus
blooms and teapot pourings fore our eyes…open and hopeful of the coming truth
once lost beyond our dreams…and we breathe
for it feels right to breathe while standing in the darkness…not alone

To the poets on HP,

I wanted to use this space to say Happy Thanksgiving to everyone on HP. Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, we all have many things to be thankful for if we just take the time to look. I personally am thankful for each and every one of you who share your poetry with me and read and enjoy my work.  I am very thankful for all of the kindness I have been shown on this site. I appreciate it so very much.

I hope your day is filled with family, friends, happiness and many things to be thankful for.

Jack

In case you didn’t know, Kalypso’s father passed away a few days ago.
I just received an email from her and she asked that I express her appreciation to everyone on HP for their kindness.  So, I thought there would be no better way for me to do so than by posting her own words.

She wrote to me:

People have been so sweet and the messages I have received are just so kind. I never thought I would receive this type of reaction. I truly found a community of wonderful souls and I am so thankful for them all. I will post something saying this soon, but if you wouldn’t mind saying how deeply touched I am for everyone’s condolences and kindness…I would appreciate that. I just can’t find the words.

Kalypso

I drink of the waters of sinner’s delight
Smooth to the taste I believe
Washed up ashore on a moonless lit night
Much more than one can conceive

Poured in a goblet of yellow and blue
Butterfly patterns a’ shine
Wings in the vestibule, blinding the view
There only destined of time

Here at the stairway that leads to your heart
Spiraling up to the sky
Winding in tapestries, threadbare to start
Whimsical fabrics now sigh

Taking each step as I breathe in the change
Shadows about do compare
Absolute beauty of love rearranged
Finding the most in each stair

Hallways extend each direction a’ flow
Candlelit beacons provide
A knock on your door in the midst of their glow
Whispers now call me inside

Therefore my eyes as a silhouette fine
Loveliness clings to a smile
Chantilly lace in the garments a’ shine
Filling my eyes all the while

Heavenly scent of magnolia bloom
Fresh as this hot summer’s fire
White opalescence in shades of the moon
Painting my soul with desire

Touches of satin, so smooth comes your skin
Breathless endeavors soon pour
Hoping on hope of the welcoming in
Of what this night has in store

Lips of chiffon in a raspberry grin
Porcelain shimmering thighs
Desperate these thoughts now awash in a sin
Breath comes a sonnet of sighs

Reaching I stumble, my balance unsure
Shivers, my toes to my spine
Stuttering nervous of this I adore
Formed of the sweetest design

Then with a wisp as the draperies wave
Flames flicker quick of the flow
Smoke from the wicks meets the ceiling once more
As I cry, where did you go

Standing here holding of one dozen roses
Cellophane wrapped round the stems
Seeing the window so quickly it closes
I was but this close again

Nothing lasts forever




“And when your fears subside and shadows still remain”


Dark places floating in rear view mirror journeys
on empty highways, slick and cold but in the past
Within my hand I hold you, warmth finds the place,
leaving behind the sorrow on leaf covered shoulders


“I know that you can love me when there's no one left to blame”


Taken upon my soul, those incisions of pain, deep
Draped on heavy sighs and forward motions
Cast aside, tossed for loss, rendered useless
and my heart sings for you, come to me for I shall love you

“So never mind the darkness we still can find a way”


Shrouded in worry, clouded escapes stood firmly
Together we can draw back these curtains, embroidered blankets,
revealing the next hillside spilling a sunrise
in bright smiles and good memories rejoicing


*“'Cause nothin' lasts forever, even cold November rain”

~

“And when your fears subside and shadows still remain”


Dark places floating in rear view mirror journeys
on empty highways, slick and cold but in the past
Within my hand I hold you, warmth finds the place,
leaving behind the sorrow on leaf covered shoulders

“I know that you can love me when there's no one left to blame”

Taken upon my soul, those incisions of pain, deep
Draped on heavy sighs and forward motions
Cast aside, tossed for loss, rendered useless
and my heart sings for you, come to me for I shall love you

“So never mind the darkness we still can find a way”


Shrouded in worry, clouded escapes stood firmly
Together we can draw back these curtains, embroidered blankets,
revealing the next hillside spilling a sunrise
in bright smiles and good memories rejoicing

*“'Cause nothin' lasts forever, even cold November rain”

Sitting there in open form…breathing,
savoring a moment that claims the eyes
Collecting thoughts in a simmering row
of pasted visions on the curtains of a smile…
claiming nothing out of the sort

                     ~fingers dance the moonlight
                       along a sleepless trail
                       pecking seems the order
                       as endings never fail~

Glowing like an ember fused,
beneath a mantle trimmed and shorn
Hidden in the lonely darkness
once presented in a cluttered dream
of pine cone cushions
and wicker trimmed French kisses

                    ~words of stained glass meanings
                      in shadows on the pew
                      shaped to form the pattern
                      as light evades the view~

Groans of indecision
plague this page, smudged and weary,
scribble in fury and folded neatly
Edges meet in distracting lines
on crossword clues reaching down
across the face of what I have done

                    ~ink it merely scratches
                      the surface of the night
                      still I sit here staring
                      with nothing left to write~

Nothing more, nothing less

I have been told that I am nothing more
And nothing less than what all I might see

Just as another with words to impress
Merely a phrase on a sheet penned by me

Gray floating shadows on walls of despair
Painted in shades of an off branded smile

Generic emotions with only a price
Left on the rack labeled way out of style

Mirrored reflections of everyone else
Acting alike every face on the page

Watching the curtains rise up to the sky
Accepting applause in a crowd on the stage

Of all these feelings that live in my heart
Not very special in spite of the view

All that I wanted was you by my side
I did whatever I thought I should do

I didn’t notice, perhaps I was blind
Everyone else, they were doing the same

I was no different, not even a bit
All I can say is my heart was to blame

Now I will wander the ends of the earth
Where ever life places in front of me

For, I have been told that I am nothing more
And nothing less than what all I might see

Nothing shall be

Lost in the desert,
brow beat and empty
Marching the beat
of an old drummers song

Clutching the sand
in a hand I imagine
Thirsting for all
only finding it wrong

Wandering lonely
the shore of a nightmare
Angry moon’s claws
find my heart tender, bare

Slowly but surely
with skills of a surgeon
Ripping my dreams
with the slightest of tears

Daring the day light
to rest on my shoulders
Cast of my eyes
in this heart broken dawn

Hearing the echoes
of seashells that whisper
“fall to your knees,
you are merely a pawn”

Scanning the heavens
for only a flicker,
eyes that I seek
staring down on my face

For soon of this shadow
following closely,
nothing shall be
no, not even a trace

Beyond the chipped paint and tarnished handle
of this old screen door once waited a garden,
a winding path of stone and dirt
I had walked many times in my life,
led to a place of wondrous beauty,
poetic blooms and intoxicating fragrances

Merely stepping beneath the Jasmine covered arbor
lifted spirits and illumined hope that all was right,
and the butterflies, oh the butterflies, winged effervescence in
sapphire, indigo, tangerine and lemon butter yellows
floated from flower to flower creating
the most wonderful dancing rainbow for the eye

I still smile when I hear those old rusted hinges squeak
and I feel that fresh air meet my face
For those memories linger in my mind,
as now I find the path overgrown, the arbor splintered and fallen
the vibrant garden a mass of **** and vine
strangling the beauty that once flourished

And I understand, life changes…slowly,
each of us deteriorate within time’s grasp,  returning
to where we began, covered in lawn and dew
beginning anew or to be forgotten…
an occasional thought that passes
down another path of another life

Now as I stand gazing at what once was,
a tear finds my cheek, meandering over these wrinkles
gathering in the corner of my mouth…salty
yet it is not the garden nor the whimsical path
that collects in my mind…it is the butterflies,
oh how I miss the butterflies…

~


And the skies find blue

On this morning in the city

With the temperature so warm

As I stand to find the meaning

Over asphalt centered lanes

With the street lights set on twinkle

When a billboard reaches out

With a message for the masses

Still my every thought is you

And I dream



~Chosen by my eyes to see the wonders love is bringing

Floating in my mind like endless butterflies a’ winging

Melodies of love as every meadowlark is singing

And I dream…oh I dream~



People rushing by

At an endless rate of hurry

With their boot straps in a bind

You can see their frowning faces

That new watch upon their arms

Flashing minutes changing hours

Till the meetings that they meet

And the notes they will be taking

Still my every thought is you

And I dream



~My heart it skips a beat within the rhythm of your smile

Sea shells on a beach now dance in ocean waving style

Meadows filled with green where we may lay a little while

And I dream…oh I dream~



Traffic jams ensue

Waving fists and shouting plenty

Driving slower than a snail

Move along we’re in a hurry

But the radio does play

I ignore the mass confusion

For the song that I now hear

Is the one you like to dance to

For my every thought is you

And I dream



~Cotton candy clouds project the colors of the evening

In and out of life with all the happiness now weaving

I am coming home, your open arms so soon receiving

*And I dream…oh I dream~

Oh I wish I could dream
neath a nightscape disaster
frowning entanglements
formed in these eyes
Fractured endeavors
from here till tomorrow
born of this heart
atop stagnant steam skies

Dripping of sense
never once fond of finding
answers in deep
as the quicksand holds on
Sinking this man
into unknown decisions
raking his soul
crossed the oncoming dawn

Painting a picture
in oils on canvas
clear as a bell
ringing quick to it’s toll
Clutching this throat
deterring all breathing
dropping the fear
ever ******* his soul

Grabbing a thread
and a rusty old needle
stitching this mouth
so to no longer speak
Draining that blood
pulled from fingertip prickings
crimson expense
slowly rendering weak

Watching the fall
from some higher up places
chuckling loud
at the sound of his scream
Checking a pulse
in an emptiness feeling
waving goodbye
Oh I wish I could dream

~

My eyes find brilliant sunshine
as I peek from my umbrella
side stepping the ever filling puddles
dotting this muddied pathway

Blue skies overhead sing out loud
in the key of forever love,
harmonizing with each falling rain drop
and thunder clap ovation

I bask in the comforting warmth
of this damp cold drizzle
that coats my skin
and seeps through my shoes

My smile glows brightly…
past lightening strikes
and torrential downpours,
keeping all others indoors

“A more beautiful day
I have not seen”
I shout to the dark clouds
hovering ominously above me

I love thinking of you on a rainy day

~



Of broken branch and multi-colored stone façade
the pathway steals my outward glance
Winding through the cottage hills
like kite string freed by a strong wind, it spills
Patterns shadow in abstract array
through barbed wire and solid steel
barricades, creating menacing shapes,
criss-crossing narrow wheel ruts of long ago


“I tug my trousers in defiance and set my pace”


Obstacles, of stead and stood,
branded in a wilting wood…
directions carved to empty me of all I know as good


Within my chest sits a living compass,
beating my quest in a never ending melody,
sweet as creamed corn pie and pointing
towards the sun, which sits before me
two hills above the horizon on this new day
Temptation beckons over my right shoulder,
whistling in the breeze of delicious
offerings, and I do hunger…


“Still I stand firm of my journey back to your love”


Take your glow of nectarines
Cool refreshing summer streams
For I shan’t waver, not an inch, her love calls in my dreams

Midday, as the solar glow finds my shoulders red
and sweat clings like life in dampened conclusions,
blisters form bringing the pain of decisions made before…
and I would have it no other way…for this I deserve
Mountains faced of jagged stone break my crawl,
rubble sweeps my feet, as my knees bleed,
thirst speaks in the language of a long feared enemy…
yet I do not listen…


“No challenge shall be placed that will keep me from my return to you”


State your case in hammered stone
Tear my skin of broken bone
No tethered vines of loneliness shall sway me from my home



My shadow now waits before me, long and slender,
molded by dried weathered foot prints…my foot prints,
heading a direction opposite my heart
Many years old yet still their outline remains as a warning…
When I see it, the lilac arbor, scented in old desires and
new in life, encasing a glow, melodies of  gold finch sing
as my eyes find your smile, an extended hand, a soft touch
I have found my way home…


“My sweet love, this heart begs forgiveness and longs you eternally”


*Mistakes I’ve made, my journey far
on borrowed steps of distant stars
my every waking dream desires to be right where you are

~

On borrowed steps of distant stars
~



Of broken branch and multi-colored stone façade
the pathway steals my outward glance
Winding through the cottage hills
like kite string freed by a strong wind, it spills
Patterns shadow in abstract array
through barbed wire and solid steel
barricades, creating menacing shapes,
criss-crossing narrow wheel ruts of long ago


“I tug my trousers in defiance and set my pace”


Obstacles, of stead and stood,
branded in a wilting wood…
directions carved to empty me of all I know as good


Within my chest sits a living compass,
beating my quest in a never ending melody,
sweet as creamed corn pie and pointing
towards the sun, which sits before me
two hills above the horizon on this new day
Temptation beckons over my right shoulder,
whistling in the breeze of delicious
offerings, and I do hunger…


“Still I stand firm of my journey back to your love”


Take your glow of nectarines
Cool refreshing summer streams
For I shan’t waver, not an inch, her love calls in my dreams

Midday, as the solar glow finds my shoulders red
and sweat clings like life in dampened conclusions,
blisters form bringing the pain of decisions made before…
and I would have it no other way…for this I deserve
Mountains faced of jagged stone break my crawl,
rubble sweeps my feet, as my knees bleed,
thirst speaks in the language of a long feared enemy…
yet I do not listen…


“No challenge shall be placed that will keep me from my return to you”


State your case in hammered stone
Tear my skin of broken bone
No tethered vines of loneliness shall sway me from my home



My shadow now waits before me, long and slender,
molded by dried weathered foot prints…my foot prints,
heading a direction opposite my heart
Many years old yet still their outline remains as a warning…
When I see it, the lilac arbor, scented in old desires and
new in life, encasing a glow, melodies of  gold finch sing
as my eyes find your smile, an extended hand, a soft touch
I have found my way home…


“My sweet love, this heart begs forgiveness and longs you eternally”


Mistakes I’ve made, my journey far
on borrowed steps of distant stars
my every waking dream desires to be right where you are

~

Once More

Deep within this weeping world,
where darkness hides the smiles
behind faded curtains of disbelief
now blocking the sun…waits
two arms longing to hold you,
offering comfort of softened ease
extended from broad shoulders strong,
ready to bear the load
of the sorrow that grips your heart

for it is found of this gesture,
long of these collected words
a friend who cries at the emptiness
which now must clutch your chest,
ripping wounds of a motherly kind
past any scar once felt or healed,
desperate to make whole
these frantic needs circling your mind
retracing each back step of questioned fault

distance may carve miles from stone
and leave falling farther from near,
yet beyond any horizon, any vertical detour
thorned bramble archway or cliffside hauntings,
I will reach, grasp and claw
hoping to lift you from this darkness,
to shine that light of hope
with every ounce of energy my body owns
so that your world may be bright once more