Love is like a candle
it doesn’t last without
a flame.

It burns so fast, it turns
into memories of smoke
that lingers for only a moment
before it fades.

You are left with a half burnt wick
and a used up waxy stick.

Ashes are smeared on the table
while a heart lays in its own blood
beating one last time before
dieing.

You can blame love for the damages
but never suit for love doesn’t
care for you.

I have made my peace with the world,
but not love for love always
comes back on its hands and knees.

I fell head over heels so many times,
the bruises on my knees haven’t healed from the fall.

Love punishes me.

© 2019 By Amanda Shelton

go down
soft sound
midnight
car lights
playing with the air
breathing in your hair
go down
soft sound
step into your skin?
i’d rather jump in your bones
taking up your mouth
so you can breathe through your nose

I may be shattered,
My skin so beaten and battered,
my tears burn as they roll down my face,
but still i run this cold race,
cause i am beautifully broken,
nothing more to be spoken,
no matter how cold,
even when i grow old,
none can quench my radiant light,
none can steal my courage and might,
one day i will spread my wings and fly,
and own the entire morning sky,
all will be my friend,
and to my joy there will be no end.

Late night texts
Sleepy eyes
Small smiles
Butterflies

Stolen moments
Held inside
Beating heart
Stupefied

~

Left alone
Tear filled eyes
Chapped lips
Scarred thighs

Empty promises
Cast aside
Broken heart
Terrified

~j.l.

And that's the time
I've realized
that you are not
as good as poetry
that you are not
the one for me.
You're not
the one I need.
Because every time
I write
about you,
I bleed.

I see your picture
reading through the same
yoga, cooking, and travel
version of a person
trying to cast a wide
net
instead of focusing
on the truth inside

Where does the end lie?
All I know is that
I’m alone
and want to share
the experiences of
a life
dare to explore the soul
and the fire