i cast my soul into the air -
let my mind carry it to a
familiar land that
only i can envision.

here, but also
somewhere else.

i am always caught somewhere
in between.

unaware that you had embedded
yourself - but i felt a shift
and embraced it.

marked by rose-scented words
and the curve of your lip and
the arch of your collarbone;
furrowed into my mind -
plays on repeat like a broken record.

marked by cotton touch
and midnight whispers,
playing pretend -
speaking like nostalgia.

technical spark, honeyed words,
fingerprints upon a computer screen;
happy tummy pains.

attractive eyes like shallow hot springs -
i wait till i am close enough to
feel their steam redden my cheeks.

beating heart proudly exhibits
the fingertips you
blemished into me.

flowers grow in their place
every time i think of you.

paths are not for me.
peel me off the surface and
carry me to a newfound land;
i yearn to be lost.

each day i shake off gravel
from the path i once trudged upon.

now, i stroll through open yellow fields
and rest upon beds of daisy chains;
i lick my pollen-stained fingers
as i watch formless clouds swim
through the vast bluish sky.

sometimes, i will come across a path -
yet i am always pulled off track -
so i will never keep to it.

i stray upon my own, guide-less path;
for gravel only poisons me.

masked, he came towards me
weapon in hand, hands bloodthirsty.
the white of his mask showed no purity,
only a sinister mystery.

most would run, or scream even
but i could not; legs tied with fear
tongue tied into a knot,
i remained silent as the assailant
drew near.

close enough to feel his breath
warm upon my cheek
he whispered:
‘my name is Hope.
this is what i look like.’

i could feel his blade
cold, pressed against my thigh
yet he entwined his leather gloved fingers
with mine.

swaying gently, bathed in an unknown,
gentle light.
but the light grew harsher;
i notice it reflecting off my

heart.
the silver blade, burrowed into my chest.
my knees buckle and
the floor is ice.

warmth drains from me and
hope crouches down - removes his
mask.
faceless and empty,
empty with unknowing.

from nowhere, Hope’s voice echoed
everywhere.
he said:
‘my name is Hope and
hope never dies.’