Tears are my companions

in the dark realm

where my thoughts dwell

would that I could escape

prickling shards of happiness

their passing brief

is but a reminder ofac my pain

burrowing deeper into the darkness

I squeeze shut my mental eyes

brighter moments

bob and float

life fireflies

in a darkening night

my mind's eye shifts away

seeking the comfort of shadows

the absence of light

my heart grudgingly follows

e'en as it tugs to escape

the darker path

the deeper me

would take.

enfolded in my mantle black

in this void I'm more secure...

for now, I'll wander bleaker lands

explore the colder climes...

nighttime in my soul, you see

I must bed down here for awhile

and when my wintry slumber deep

is done

mayhap...

when I arise....

the fireflies will still be waiting.

***

REFLECTIONS

In each darkened teardrop,

within the watery veil

I see myself reflected;

a ghost with tales to tell.

Shadowy and light--a collage of both;

the juxtaposition of beauty and dread,

weave to complete the picture;

paint the colors the day has bled.

Yet beyond the tears of sadness,

past visions of blue-gray pain,

lies brighter memories...

in my images of the day.

E'en when twilight falls;

and shadows fill the night,

each darkened teardrop disappears,

yet...I can still espy the light.

© 2001 Kathy Pippig Harris