pianist extremities grace battered skin
soft sighs and indiscernible whispers follow
the soothing of unconditional love
gives any horror some reprieve /

emotional balance tips precariously
the crevasse bottomless and lavender
only the azure of her eyes
keeps the see-saw at bay /

painfully wanting physical contact
stretched fingers like maple leaves
caught in a warm August breeze
never knowing contentment or peace /

alone with the mirror and memory
haunted by unclear faces
youthful victims and playmates
wind chime within a closed mind /