I begged you
to unweave me from the confines
of this limited plane
and restitch me into
the richness of your tapestry

Instead you unearth my twisted roots
from the sanctuary of your soil
drain my crimson petals
unmoved as I whither away

I scatter desolation
a marred and stagnant bloom
Your unrequited love is conveyed
through the bitter winds of desertion

When it comes to you
I am at a loss for words
so my heart beats in symphonies
my mind will never compose

I have felt the ripples
of predestined change
Some crashing like tidal waves
upon my desolate plane

Others a delicate trickle
through this narrowing gorge;
complex and understated
in its methodical purge

Both deliberate in the upheaval
and churning of the soil
change that brings inner balance
to mind, body and soul

I’ve swum against their current
dragged to murky waters below
tumbling in the turmoil
of my urgent need for control

Now cast upon this rocky shore
panicked and alone
I must surrender to the journey
to find my way back home

I welcome the soaking of soles
as I intend to surf each wave
Immersing myself into its flow
I become the ripples of change

Golden leaves linger
on veiled branches
frantic for one last dance

Summer’s spirited wind indulges
conscious their season of romance
is reaching it’s end

Soulfully embracing beyond the sun’s peak
a long goodbye to a faithful friend
they gracefully sway into twilight

The sorrowful slowly gather
blanketing soil in daylight
Lifeless yet vibrantly alive

Naked branches expose their pain
as Autumn’s rawness arrives
the wisdom of love remains

There’s so much to say
but the boundaries
between us
keep getting in the way

I long to tell you
how I truly feel
But my fear of rejection
stops me from keeping it real

Sometimes I wonder
Do you know what I hide?
Is the secret that’s so well hidden
sitting in plain sight?

I can’t afford to be vulnerable
This time isn’t right
I must contain my passion
and lock it up tight

So the next time you see me
I’ll be holding my breath
concealing my love
and bursting with regret

I have walked with shadows
let them lead the way
Believing their chains and shackles
were keeping me safe

The scars have faded
The bruises all healed
Now I face the regrets
with my back to the battlefield

I am a child of war
the domestic kind
I know how to survive
and keep my needs confined

I am a soldier, a caregiver
I’ll put your needs before mine
I have sacrificed myself
for the superior bloodline

But a hierarchical system
is not for me
I have the right to freedom
and equality

Though I struggle with belonging
and what I prefer
I will chose to be alone
than battle for survival in another war

So I walk with courage
and strength by my side
Knowing their liberties
bring peace with each stride

Don’t just observe me
wander deep into my eyes
Fix your gaze upon my soul
unspoken words implied

Embrace me
captivate my body like you consume my mind
Nurture and be nurtured
let’s enfold in time

Kiss me
throw caution to the wind
Let your lips linger
then please kiss me again

Whisper to me
leave nothing unsaid
Feel the pulsing of desire
as it quickens our breath

Touch me
leave me breathless and weak
Weave me into bliss
until I can no longer speak