The flames of change
consumed my past

Left no time to think
about what was last

No time to plant a life
Not while the clouds so raced

I said hello and goodbye
to all I faced

Like the tumble **** strong

Blown across Texas plains
I tumbled for oh so long

Remaining untamed

Now there is sand underneath
Not a reason to plant my feet

I never planted roots of relief
And now there are none to seek

Sleep descends on gentle air
combing evening's purple hair
Angels glide down heaven's stair
to gather up our daily care

First,
I strive for beauty
I wait for the bell to chime
the lightning to strike

Today, it seems,
the skies are clear
those chimes of midnight
are silenced
they boycott my breath
heap ash on the urgency of ringing
and leave me dizzy
in my decline.

But if the past
truly is prologue
it will all come round again.

Language will make its magic.
Sweetness will ooze from
the open wound
of my heart.

There will be words
in the order and rhythm
in which they were intended.

And poetry will breathe yet again.

I wonder if he
still sees me in his dreams

Or if he is
dreaming of another

Does the heat of
August burn his skin

Like his
cold absence burns mine

Why do I still ache
for him?

Oh darling one,
I fear I may have been
but a passing dream to
you

If only I could stay
In labyrinths green
Ever wandering
In hallways of sunlight
Nothing more than
A lingering thought
Left floating through
Wooden minds and
Mossy corridors

KNL