White-hot energy
Blossoming so slowly,
Hibiscus petals creeping silently
Across the lawn,
Looking for the unmentionable.

The scent of romance,
How it lingers…how it grows…
And it stays with me
Even now, as I lie here on the grass

In pure wonder--
What will be? What can be done?
Should I count more petals,
Or just let them dance away now,
Let them dance…away.

I feel him even now…
So close, poking barely mended wounds,
Stirring the darkness of my heart,
Unaware of the demons loosely contained within…
Oh, such weak cages! Such rumbling beasts!

And if I continue to count now,
Allowing the petals to blow around me,
Will the blood flow freely again, through the damaged veins?
Or…will it only thicken and pull both of us under?

Dena L Moore
July 17, 2004