merrow

the clothes we shared stare me down on the door

of a closet unheard, but when we met

i plucked watermelon and spoke and swore

as if venus shattered stone hearts set

in doubt and fear; and i’d like to know how

words feel lilting against your lips like leaves

of willows in the wind, but to allow

the moon and sun an ardent eclipse thieves

the stars of a steward. and for your name

to be one of song and dance is a bleak

irony for a pale lady aflame

with highland fervor taunted into meek

fingers and thoughts. confide in me desire

you’ve never shared under skies retired

from a day of drudgery in the fog

between bridges, brown rivers, and prologues

of stories written in irises; blink

away tomorrow like tears because we’ve

only tonight to strum cool maiden pink

skin stained red by snow. find me at the eve

of anarchy, clutching devil’s nettle

to my chest; cast a stone into my mind,

my lady decked in plaid, violet petals

in our hair decorate a love confined

to cabinets. so watch me as i hold

my breath instead, sated by the glimpse of

blue loch eyes and lavender skies gone cold

from the wan promise of a someday-love.