Gravity

How extraordinary are those moments

when smiles come barging in.

Unaware, they weren’t called for.

Unaware, they weren’t expected.

Unaware, they’ve entered a dark place.

How extraordinarily the lips turn upwards

despite the weight of emotions pressing 

heavy hearts down – almost as if gravity 

holding the soul works from above 

and not below our feet.

The Shape of Loss

It’s her silhouette,

her shadow against the bed 

sprawled like an open invitation.

Deep in sheets, her form writhe in agony, 

baffled each time his amusement 

comes out to play. 

Is there any surrender so wild in nature

as the body abandoning itself in pleasure,

in pain, in swells crashing against shores,

in the chaotic union of two cowards.

One would think the dull throbbing within

her breast might suggest a cautionary tale.

He visits her body like a tourist.

Maybe it was never his home.

Maybe his hands on her shape are 

nothing more than a temporary garnish. 

Maybe forsaking herself is

how she keeps them together.