Avoiding an Argument

I have let the fire pass
and yet find my eyes drawn
to destructive tinder and red flame

Combustion

your words burn
me down
to ashes

Volcano

do not mistake a cool mien
for coolness underneath;
magma may be churning
waiting for an eruption date

Ledgers

do not do me now a kindness
as license for harsh words
spat during some tomorrow

A Bad Day

If I do not feel happy
I will not put on a mask.

If you come uninvited
do not expect me to greet you
with open arms.

Irritated

a storm gathers
above her brow
and lightning
to strike
by her sharp tongue

Respect

I refuse to let your anger
sit in me and fester
and your judgments to cloud
my own truths and self-worth.

Rail all you want against me
but my respect for you was lost
the moment your unhappiness
lashed out at me
in the most small-minded
of ways.

Beloved

Dear beloved,
you purse your lips
and angrily avoid
comfort’s kiss

Dear beloved,
your haughty stare
creates greater longing
for weather fair

To soothe your ire
I’ll dance and sing
proclaim myself fool
if you’d let laughter ring

I’ll use my charms and all beguile
so honestly come and stay a while

Tell me the thorns that prick your heart
so gingerly, I can pry apart
the darkness curtaining a smile of sun —
dearly loved and harder won.

Transfiguration

Petrified, my heart
Refuses your vain entreaties
Deny the charm of your
Silver-plated words
Which do insinuate
Like cold serpents.
Give me your kiss of sin
So I may spit the poison
Into the well of your being
Which I devour —
A rapacious beast.

Whisperer

Let me
Dip
My hands
Into the well
Of your patience
And slake
Anger
At your mercy
Or else
Bridle me
Claim me
As the eye
Does the storm