JoPierce

Frightened of the East Still I prefer the heat of Byron's Orient

Years to see light of stars.

Vixen Seduced With hair like Velvet

The photographer introduced us As you emerged from his studio And the moment I saw you I knew I was yours Your dark eyes probed deep into my soul With an intensity matched only by The jet black hair That framed your face Against alabaster skin I recognize the ribbing Of the old pattern Of your hand knitted sweater Made of variegated wool In tonal shades of black and white and softened gray Hold still! I want to remember what you look like After time passes And I realize that I have no real memories Of you looking at me Or how your gaze seduced me You always remained so unaware.

I hate that he cries for you In the middle of the night When he crawls into bed with me Into your space where you used to steal the covers and sleep while the rank smell of cheap alcohol that reminded me of stale feces Percolated from underneath your skin The stench of sodden shit lingered on your breath Even when I tried to kiss you I instinctively pulled back in disgust My stomach turned because you never noticed And you’d  consider me stupid   to believe you When you denied Spending the evening drinking alone I hate when he cries I cannot deny him And through innocent pleading I pick up the phone With looming regret you rea

I can’t sleep at night I know for sure I killed him Of that I'm certain My deep guilt consumes I was eager and willing No hesitation I sat by his side Circled like a cold vulture To steal his last breath Neither drink nor food Nor muffled cries for mercy Passed through crackled lips I kissed his cold hand Saw fear in his ice blue eyes A deep throat rattle It had been ten days Of that year of surrender A year of waiting While he acquiesced I cursed his resignation To wait for the end His choice Acceptance Sparring death He threw the fight He’d lived a good life The year of waiting From the inside it stalked him A thick b