The Metal and the Ashes

It’s not what you say
It’s just the metal and the ashes in your eyes
It’s not for today
But it’s the daily desparation of our lives
The fire in your gaze has slowly radiated away
And that might be okay 
’cept for those embers in your wake

I’m not swallowed
By cold water
I’ll just contemplate your face

I won’t drown in
Quicksand fountains
I’ll just watch you glow with rage

It’s not what you say
It’s just the razor twilight glimmer of your smile
There’s not any way
That I could wrap myself in sackcloth for a while
And bargain with the demon 
That has occupied your reason
And evacuate our cell and find a way to dress up well

I can’t answer
Frozen dancer
I’ll just backspin into space.

 

~ 1999