Silent Treatment

your face turned away
leaves me a pale shadow
the flame doused
at your purposeful
inattention

Selective Kindness

If one treats you well and not others
remember that in an instant
their malice may be turned on you

Recovering from Estrangement

Broken bridges
can be mended
as long as we exist
but only if both ends
stubbornly persist.

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Love & Hate

Roiling emotions clash and weave,
Maneuvering to deceive
To their patron in terms entire,
The whereabouts of their dam and sire;
Wedded likes halves of day and night,
The wellspring of passionate plight,
Love and hate dance in equal measure —
Richest treasure and aggressive cancer.

Without Closure

Your smiling face stirs
a deep hatred within me
for the wound you caused
that scabbed over
begins to bleed again
every time you come
obliviously
to me, as if
I had forgiven you.

Double-Edged

Thy grin is a sword of alabaster —
I’d turn my throat gladly upon it.
Lest thou think to do me harm,
I would bid selfish reprieve.
In life, thou hast claimed me,
Yet death rusts thick chains
And grants all freedom dear.

Indifference

I no longer
Have the energy
For anger
Or hate —
Only this uncaring.