On Ice.

I watch the glass ease
so easily half empty
a picturesque delusion
of happiness, mocking
as the second hand floats
slowly by stuttering at twelve,
my shutters blurring

the consequence of who I am

the solitary figure fatigued,
every word dispensed
twenty yarns ago unheard

tears dissipate
desert my sodden sleeve

run faster than every human
being I have touched

my awkwardness laid lame
beneath the star I long for

the temptation of the gutter
embraced childlike
I dance the forbidden route,
walking the lush green mile
hand in hand with you
my eager saviour, servant
to the night we will always be.

© 2009 Michael J. Earnshaw