I never meant to
keep the world away
so completely

but self preservation
warrants a firm grip
on the heart at times

a cloak to shield a
most complete and
deadly vulnerability

a fortress to guard
against the danger
in exposure of a
coy sensibility

but what of my
timid notions?

Do fairies not
sleep on rosebuds
and angels nod
on the faint hint
of wispy clouds?

do raindrops not
dance on summer
grass just after
they are freed
from a pocket
in the sky?

So I am merely
resting here

making ready
for a most
promising
brilliance
to burst
just over
this side
of tomorrow

©6/11/99