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Last night I opened the door to a fear I do not know,
a stranger from the street.
Its overwhelming silhouette now casting over my feet.

It greeted me like a neighbour,
tightly gripping at my hand,
a warmth not becoming of the spectre I did not understand.

For my life I've carried this scar.
A symbol of my mother's mercy,
A blessing of a life for which others have been thirsty.

I quietly parade it in defiance,
that slender crescent moon,
rising from my skin so as not to be forgotten.

Now I stand at the doorway of my conscience
and warily make acquaintance,
with the helpless fear that long feasted on my mother's patience.
Cool breeze on my skin
Night drifts in to fill the room
Comfort to my dreams
I want to know
why I'm afraid

was this choice
a mistake I made?

or was this brave
and necessary?

sometimes good things
can be scary

I don't know
where I am going

there is terror
in not knowing

all I know is
I am here

courage feels the same as fear
I go where maps dissolve
where thought forgets,
and silence flowers.
Time unrobes,
faiths fold inward.
Stars blink, then vanish.
The soul (if soul)
sleeps deeper than dream
a whisper in the wound.
Truth hums beneath the skin:
a kiss, a cry,
a flame unnamed.
Don’t chase the answer.
Be the breath
between the question.
Copyright Malcolm Gladwin
July 2025
Veilsong
Éclair My Heart

Fill me up with custard’s glow,  
soft as secrets whispered low.  
Chocolate coat our midnight vows,  
each bite a bow that time allows.  

Glossy tease of vanilla sighs—  
declare your love in pastry cries.





.
....bow instead of bough, so the spelling hints at its pronouncing.
Priceless is the air we breathe,
priceless is water.

Priceless are the drops of rain
that fill up all the oceans.

Priceless is the Moon and priceless is the Sun.
Priceless is your love for me—
so pure and true.

Priceless is the cool breeze
on a sunny day.

Priceless is a river
flowing through a barren landscape.

And priceless is your smile to me.
Love me always, like only you can—

You're the sole custodian of my heart,
keep it safe till the end of time.
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