some words are best swallowed
held back behind a veil of calm
aborted from the light of day.

an amulet of Blue Pearl

sinks delicately into a chest--

as wildfires burn at the

bottom of its ocean.

while thundering waves

mince and elongate the

windowy surface above.

the Blue Pearl spits out

the starry image of its

truest north.

When love has been tested
And found not wanting,
It's tempered
In flames of despair and loneliness;
Hammered on the anvil of desire;
Polished by the cloth of reciprocity.
Love shimmers under the golden shield,
Glitters beneath the night's scimitar.
Defending.
I know.
I am loved.
Tested and found worthy.