The memory is still ablaze
Of delicate papyrus etched
With indelible poetry;
Pages glowing in a luminous
Chemistry of the first gaze
A medley of words whisper,
Buzzing neon promises
That flutter like fireflies
In a momentary daze
Until they are all gone!
I had a voice, loud and strong
I had an opinion, proud and sound
Then, they started appearing
The trolls, with words so wrong
I gave it a fight until I could not
I didn’t have it in me – to commit
To belligerent, infinite explaining
To shove for a place in the medley
I muted myself, all thoughts shelved
I had nothing more to perceive
No more breaking news to see
It didn’t matter to me who prevailed
Or whose entire world derailed
For no one cared enough to listen
To what the sane had to convey
Tendrils of steam rising
From earthy cups of caffeine
In hot chocolate fudge
Melting emotions converge
When the heart is in love
Coffee shop conversations
Are warm, tender, pleasing
Like swirling shapes on a latte
Until they dissipate
When feelings turn cold
Just as the pale beverage
That has lost its allure
I have to ask
The tiniest murmuring of my heart
Why do you bounce and frolic so
Are you restless to be caged
Or have you found a playground
Do you want to break free
Of all the turmoil and anxiety
Or are you pleased to abound
In tenderness and empathy
Is the world a bit too rough
Or have you learned to live such
That nothing matters so much
A sudden flash of light
Like an iridescent memory
Clinking against a bone china cup
A crack, a chip, blunting the edge;
Tenderly packed away in tissue
An evening still trapped in time
When a steamy wisp touched a lip
Fingers took in the mild warmth
Of tea as brown as the rugged lines
Of hands, savoring a moment of rest
Blue Pen Strokes 