she quit the cigarettes
left one in the pack
beside that diamond
bedside

hard to fumble
a river of trial
nimble with blinders
blind allegiance

sight distorted
lines on her face
music sounds strained from
strains mirrored

timing is narcissistic
a sunscreen of sorts
prerequisite and yet not enamored
of requisition

he gathers hope
like dust on styrene
with love a mere word
within the parenthesis

© Tom Watters 7/21/10