…from barren branches

Twilight comes
to the forest
and I send
an expectant prayer
to the wild moon
and the star filled sky
slowly arising, I turn
unsure and curious

shadows are fluttering
like silken brambles
dark memories
these are forgiven
as wounds
from a hostile rose
dust from flowers
dust from dreams
my endless desert
of loneliness

I hear you calling
softly to me
across the empty years
ancient and as lost
as snowflakes
melting upon the sea
of desire
never meeting
not knowing how
yet the petals of hope
are indestructible

what we once had
no longer exists
now as lost
as an ancient tomb
for we are now
just snowflakes
melting
upon the sea of desire
never meeting
not knowing how

but the petals of hope
are indestructible
elysium
a wish encrusted jewel
it was many
so many years ago
oh how the moments
flew away
weak-winged is the song
that tells of the past

I sometimes wonder
if it is really true
if our days are done
what shall I do now?
in this moment
the world turns in my hand
I cannot tell you how
but I see the answer
it is short and sweet
and I have come
to the end of it

my eyes
like my heart
know the old doorways
and as hungry spirits
decline
I break the glass
and spill the crimson wine
and gently kiss the night
while the distant moon dances
and eternity whispers
from barren arches
© Ann Bagnall
2012