August

Here come the footfalls

Of the August shift in tone;

Here come the jolts

Of a heartbeat's morse code.

Don't look too closely

At the mask ripp'd from flesh;

Pay close attention

To her punished hands instead.

Wander on in kindness

Shape the morning clay;

Keep secrets stuffed in boxes

And shadows in neat arrays.

Practise needlepoint precision

When placing heavy blame;

Recite your superstitions

When you cast your friend away.

Hide under tablecloths

With choices squeezing tighter;

Follow your desires

Since no one chose to guide ya.

August chills advancing

Like fog through silhouettes;

Up the spiral staircase

'Till she has a chance to rest.

Eventually feel feeling

A cascading of developed dread;

Out pours potential

For a better day ahead.

August brings revival

A newly painted skin;

Here lies the thumping

Of a heartbeat, whole again.

~