Tenuous Bellows

Fate's regret consoles the past,
While omniscient fear
Remains attached to untried trust.

Such is a citizen’s palpitant belief,
Inching ever closer to the gambler's down card,
That moment when mask and reach,
Security and chance,
Force the show card.

For…

Just as the wind’s flutter
Passes fresh air between us,
Activating bellow’s incessant vibration,
So too human sentience
Relies on mind's voracious hunger,
Heart's tenacity,
And trust’s willingness.

Still…

Street curb to penthouse

Clean hands to distancing

Self-preservation to altruism

Guards dropped too soon

Bring an “all in” moment

Bluffing be damned

Bellows will attenuate…

And cave

Only

Once