Childhood Talismans

Into the purple smoke
she tossed her painful memories
wounds that oozed and refused to heal
stripping each scar from her body
and in turn destroying the scent
of lemon and honey
her mother’s blanket that kept her warm
on those harsh winter nights;
those bygone things and people
were no longer enough

Thin Dirt

like dust I settle and sink
mired wetly into mud

as one storm passes
another ones threatens

my sanity stretches thin

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.

Necrosis

A touch of melancholy
fades colors to gray

Although the sun is warm
and the smiles genuine
somehow all is tainted
before they reach
my heart

Like a late blossom
it shrivels before
unfurling its petals –

Past the season:
no fruit to be fruitful.

Passing Melancholy

Upon my dearest’s brow
sits a little cloud.

Speaking of everything,
I cajole and sing,
but only time persuades
that interloper to sway.

Again she’ll smile
even if I’m away.

Feedback

Give me a smile in return.
Every second you deny me
Pulls it down into a frown.
And expands a cloudy day
Into a worrisome storm.

Bereaved

Outside my window
A gray, thunderstruck tree
Sags with bent shoulders
Bare-branched and anxiously bowed
It tilts, as if into a future
Where you might return

Dirge

The humming pipa
Sings nightly lamentations
Under the fall moon

The Lost Princess

An empty rhythm
In the castle in the sky
A waltz echoes through deserted halls
The foundation crumbles stone by stone
She who was the princess
Dances alone
Rapunzel-length tresses threaded silver
Sweep over deep indigo and turquoise tiles
No prince comes for her
Neither courtiers nor friends
The music is mummified in her mournful tread

Visiting

Sometimes I wonder if you are well
I hope that you are thinking pleasant thoughts
But when I come into your presence
I can ask no questions but only hope
That I give you solace and leave no burden