upbeat mesa
*She used to love
deeply
wholeheartedly,
she used to enjoy
loving those around her -
until those same people
tore apart that love,
wings torn from origami cranes.
So, she wraps bracelets
‘round willowed wrists -
hollowed bones creaking,
crossing over one another
as fingers tug at knotted hair.
Honey bee venom transferring
from tongue to once
silver-threaded lips.
It's a wonder -
the way she radiates
sunflower’d grace,
savoring the brush
of satin against fingertips.
Softening,
spilling into watercolors -
she slips into the foundation
of who you thought you were.
She loves quieter now,
from hidden corners
of intimate moments -
afraid to be seen,
to reveal those thoughts
that continue to torment.
A scattered song of
what wasn't enough
and what was always
far too much.
Still, she lathers praise
into lemon scented suds,
appreciation laced into
every minuscule word.
Fears cast aside,
until proven true once more.
Happiness
is always fleeting.
But perhaps
one day,
she will become starlight.*
crisp sable
dense spindle
mystic grove
