Tears are my companions
in the dark realm
where my thoughts dwell

would that I could escape
prickling shards of happiness
their passing brief
is but a reminder ofac my pain
burrowing deeper into the darkness
I squeeze shut my mental eyes
brighter moments
bob and float
life fireflies
in a darkening night

my mind's eye shifts away
seeking the comfort of shadows
the absence of light
my heart grudgingly follows
e'en as it tugs to escape
the darker path
the deeper me
would take.

enfolded in my mantle black
in this void I'm more secure...
for now, I'll wander bleaker lands
explore the colder climes...

nighttime in my soul, you see
I must bed down here for awhile
and when my wintry slumber deep
is done
mayhap...
when I arise....

the fireflies will still be waiting.

***

REFLECTIONS

In each darkened teardrop,
within the watery veil
I see myself reflected;
a ghost with tales to tell.

Shadowy and light--a collage of both;
the juxtaposition of beauty and dread,
weave to complete the picture;
paint the colors the day has bled.

Yet beyond the tears of sadness,
past visions of blue-gray pain,
lies brighter memories...
in my images of the day.

E'en when twilight falls;
and shadows fill the night,
each darkened teardrop disappears,
yet...I can still espy the light.

2001 Kathy Pippig Harris