Lefty

There is feeling defeated
and there is being so low
that even when you're given roses
all you see is thorns.

There is a smile that comes when you bounce back,
but see how it twists as you fall
again
and again.

There is vanity
that lies beside insecurity;
watch how they struggle for power when it awakes.

There is false esteem
how it moves
holds few surprises
its shape remains true
underneath its disguises.

There is a thrill in dreaming big;
the grandeur is delicious at first,

till you choke on it.

Even then
you'll be back for more.

Consolation

'(are) you okay?
....
The question sinks into the silence...

you let him hang
as you hold his gaze
your face is a  fortress

your heartbeats are equanimity

Still
he waits,
Still
no reply,
Still
you soften him effortlessly.

You breath easy
in the tainted space
where his guilt has turned him sickly.

Tongues
once sweet,
in heat, cut deep
how they stung with intimate accuracy.

Now he clings to the belief

you oblivious to the beef;

foul darts he prays you can't grasp

He sees innocence fade
smouldering words;
ash stains on a sacred slate.

Past cynicism's gate
at the door of too late

arrived a tiny kiss
sweet grace in disgrace