Once, free from (sur)reality,
my mind wandered along scarcely trodden pathways,
(those which I tread with some fear)
and I saw your face…
Stuck there, wedged, between the teeth of my inner smile,
dancing as if you belonged.

I opened my eyes, behind tightly closed lids, to watch you…
Sweet-tempered sways, like Abigail violets tossed in the wind,
your petals bled freely across my face, leaving
silent reminders of your fluorescent touch.

Flames… lit anew,
banked far from my heart(h).

My soul was besieged; a bevy of proliferous sound, assaulting!
…as kaleidoscopic tongues, weeping your promises disheartened,
each carving new li(n)es on my heart
(false teddy bear lullabies)

I marveled and laughed, bleeding for your purpose,
’til I realized that you weren’t.
Inner storms raging, poring curses from my delusions,
ground down on my solitary sharing,
freedom growing,
cat-and-mouse
(I kept putting my tail in your mouth)
with me wallowing in the puddles
of your candied deceptions.

Then, once free of your (sur)reality,
I saw through your fog,
only to realize the true salt of your season.

A rainbow of melancholy flavors
rolling off my tongue; no taste
except for the biting bitterness
that reminds me… you’re not here.

Why must my every happiness
be now haunted…

By you?