Click here to read "Guises" by Al Swanson

~~~~~~ Facade ~~~~~~

Oh sly disguise, why darest thou
but shield thyself,
and feign such drastic measure;

when there beyond the grasp of time,
my heart did feel...thy glossy treasure;

that hopeful glimmer, amid thy shimmer
a defeaning clear glass whisper -

alive, thy shards of which bespoke
in fullest passioned measure...

that I might hope to
fill thy deepest
darkest hidden pleasure;

Thy blood shall course
thoughout my soul
now bitter like the soured wine...

a tainted wind
now harsh and shrill,
foul grapes
that rot upon the vine;

a scoundrel sick
with yellowed skin;
what happens now...
what hast thou been...

a white warm breath
a fainting dove
and but a taunting
taste of love

eluding all my heightened senses,
perception fleeing... never seen;
making entrance far away
never saying what you mean;

pretense is the game you play
wand'ring through the forest green
the place I live and love and breathe
yet you encroach upon this scene;

with scattered birds convening there,
where long-limbed naked trees adorn
my thoughts now open, laying bare,
asleep now by a stream forlorn...

and you... the storm upon the bough;
as weather darkens silver sky
and limbs involuntary bow;
as tears of rain begin to cry....

with boldest winds now telling all,
as they command the legions how,
to expose sifted rows of sand
in heights upon a scale so grand...
mirage belies a taste once sweet
of subtle truth now harshly bland;

the center sees my heart in wait
always listless, still sitting there
Just daring, tempting, teasing fate...
forever seeking comfort, care;

as moon descends into the night,
her weight now cracks the atmosphere;
I wear the stain of smile once broad
I offered resltess yesteryear;

now singed; an ember always burning;
amid the gloom of fading light
and here remains my spirit yearning
still and ever here in spite.

Copyright (c) Evermore -Jeff Mason