Red
White
Blue
Starry night on a canvas
What does it mean?
I once knew, now
I no longer know.

people see smoldering flames  
crawling up her veins
and think of empires collapsing into ash,

people watch her eyes spark
and feel her calloused electricity
and they convince themselves of her power  

she broods and she intimidates    
and they think she is strong
and they think she is dangerous
and they are afraid of her fire

even though the only thing she tries to destroy
is herself.

Pastel smudges paint the sky,
reflect on the lake in half-light.
Emerging from darkness,
frosty star flowers,
take me into deep waters,
where sad thoughts wander.
Whispers of you by the shore,
I'm waiting and waiting.