Author: John Everex

filter his stigma
leave the collective snapping
at empty spaces

words thrown as missiles
subtle in their camouflage
a payload obscured

hand clenched agonies
make fists of sly responses
but you hide your smiles

their voices spilling
through open windows, doorways
and empty foyers

their subtle hoaxes
twist entwined and overlooked
by the hidden truths

and their precious pearls
hanging around beaten necks
have lost their lustre

as the music fades
the dwimmer of gentle lights
flood our thirsty eyes

we follow the guides
our dreams resplendent and bright
our whispered plans bare

but as they darken
sinking soft below the sands
holding dust we cry

once radiant smiles
self deprecate and conceal
the tiny embers

their words turn bitter
tasting the shortening days
and leftover scraps

yet our hands are warm
although worn and rough, still strong
and still our embrace

midnight fairy lights
reflect in a tear-blurred lens
the moon is sorrow

her sharp frosted breath
blows a cumulus nimbus
that soon stratifies

then it’s time to leave
her embrace checked by minutes
fading through seconds