Poetry

The Gala
Wake Up!
Wake up, Celi!
No, not yet, Cinth
I am far too cold
I need a long shower
I feel like mold
But Ive been waiting
So many months now
And Sunny promised
She made me a vow
Sunny’s way too cheery
Spreading all her rays
She sleeps all night then
Barrels in here ablaze
But Celi, Tuli is waiting
She’s only here a little while
She wants to get out,
be seen, beguile
Cinth, it’s still too early for me
I’m stiff and cannot move
You’re such an early riser
I get this is your jam, your groove
I don’t motivate so easy
I need to feel warmer to rise
And then wash off the dirt
Cinth, impatience is ill advised
I know, I know, Celi
But I’a anxious for the fling
For all the finery and beauty
The splendor it will bring
Our frolic, never lasts
It always ends so early
Often becomes unbearable
I’m certain the same, this year is likely
After being cooped up so long
I’ve felt so dull and grey
I need to see the beautiful gowns
Ladies’ finest, colorful array
Men too at their best
Though, fashionably late
I love when things are early
You know I’m not one to wait
It’s fine, Cinth, go dress
I’ll follow soon behind
But keep your perkiness still
Badgering is so unkind
You are such a toadstool
You can meet us there
Bring an umbrella with you
Bee hates getting wet, I swear
She may not show at all
Or come after the rest
Tending to tarry until
She sees us arrive in our best
She likes outdoor festivities
But hates when rain comes
That’s when she runs off and hides
Sometimes she’s no fun
Usually she is abuzz with gossip
She flutters all around
Gives everyone her attention
Her energy astounds
Rose said this morning
She knows not what to wear
Can’t decide, pink, yellow, red
Whichever color she will wear with flair
I hope Tuli does not get frisky
That’s when she sheds her clothes
But then again she may last longer
Without obscene antics, who knows
Ash said he will be there too
He wouldn’t miss a beat
He’ll breeze in late
Then we all will feel the heat
His height, and grandeur
His strong arms and limbs
Women tend to gravitate and swoon
Lush hair that makes hearts swim
Oh the magnificence, Celi
Heady scents, each lady adorns
Added to their vibrant gaiety
Makes me happy to have been born
Music chirping in song
Lovers, secret embraces, flings
A world revived, reborn, anew
How I love the arrival of spring
Bleak
bright sky in the dead of night
glowing shades of grey
snow comes
blankets, socks and fire
will warm the flesh
nothing thaws these thoughts
quick flashes of joyful play
and then bleakness
memories, not welcome
cold flakes on my nose
dead silence
snow has a sound
time briefly stands still
earth’s screams, hushed
this peace, is welcome
so brief a moment
life’s shrill turns off
but chaos returns
these are the moments
cherished and feared
quiet and too much quiet
one peaceful
one the doorway to pain
contained fires, kindle
remembrances sleep
but only just
they wake despite me
unwanted visitors
at unwanted times
for unknown duration
memories once packed away
no longer hurtful
yet unable to be forgotten
unsee what’s seen
not hear what’s been heard
desired but impossible
winter reminds with darkness
cold winds wrap around the soul
snow’s peace gives none
Abject Fear
Darkness surrounds me
Voices!
Fear creeping under skin
They’re coming
Run!
My legs, disobliging
They are gaining on me
Hide!
Inside the shed
Darkness suffocates me
Breathe!
Quietly, gasping for air
Heart pounding, savagely
Footsteps!
Gravel shifts outside
Others have joined the search
Fear!
Door hinge, they enter
Crashing sounds, angry curses
Closer!
I can’t breathe
Soundless, like the air
Flash!
Memories flood me
My life before my eyes
Grabbed!
Hands choke my neck
Can’t breathe, no breath
Darkness!
Vision goes black
They are killing me
Alarm!
Confusion grips me
Red, flashing, numbers
Awake!
Nothing, but a nightmare
Time to get up