Darkness – Page 80

a warm summer night
the plaintive cries of a fox
echo from the woods
–
a burrow
tail wrapped
around her kits

it’s just a small cut
and it’s the last time, I swear
until the next one
–
self destruction
a trail of history
on my arms

since you got sent home
I’ve been sitting by your side
praying you’ll return
–
waiting-
trying not
to lose hope

don’t gamble on me
there’s far too much at stake and
you don’t know the score
–
what you see
I choose
to show

I’m never alone
my ally, my enemy
you’re always with me
–
ever present
that little voice
of self doubt

adrift in the tide
seagulls carving lazy arcs
through the azure sky
–
becalmed,
awaiting the moon
and the fish

a cold winter night
staccato rain on the roof
you, keeping me warm
–
winter’s eve
with you, I’m
warm inside

in grape arbor
a cardinal seeks shelter
from the driving rain
–
secluded
deep within
my wine glass

drowning in darkness
heaved out and left on the rocks
gasping for the sun
–
sinking…
yearning for
the surface

I wake intent on
fighting an uphill battle
I know I will lose
–
high tide
a turtle shell
lies empty