this stolen song
you crucifying yourself
in the light of your mother's candle
burning the edges of your shadow
weeping lyrics into a pile of ashes
fingertips streaking black tears
sleepless , dreamless
you were at the edge
the beginnings of poetry
and broken calendars
living between lies
if I only could
exchange your nightmare
for another daydream
these perils of time
I touched your shoulder
and you stared
not knowing I was still there
you kept singing
trembling bitterness
and I listened
to your acidic tears
etch my memories
your fall before that tiny flame
the helpless sadness
sleepless , dreamless
empty
copyright 2013 Robin Amaral