forgive
I can’t be made to bend
the secret is my mother’s
was whispered once
for seven days ~
between the flag and floor
and there again
(as signs we left)
spoken as a promise ~
of who would come
my ways to understand

swinging doors
and swollen eyes
it’s a wonder that you found me
telling tales and cursing
at the ones who came before
a drunken verse
of careless vow
and hastened I to listen
as moments kept me waiting
for the truth

remembered as a
by the way – I’ll be gone by Wednesday
else Tuesday find the best of me
pinned against your heart ~

broken boards
and bargain prices
eased my daddy’s worry
drew a map to lacey lace ~
a trail of love’s perfume
hands to fit together
warned of others (separated)
labors left to sweat
upon your brow

never thought
the choice would come to this
payment for the teaching ~
tear stained lips
are talking in the dark
as sad as one
(the other feels) for destinies rewritten
lines between the lines
and more to cross

pages torn away ~
from where we meant to leave a story
someone came too late
and fortunes fell
as shattered glass (uncertain signs)
remembered
by another ~

secrets shared
before the cards were read