Relief

Originally published in print by The Stray Branch magazine.

Candlelight and shadows form

a sultry, twisting dance across

the shining curves of silver

wrapped in tendrils of smoke.

Intoxicating scarlet lines

a teasing afterimage,

the channels of a red sea deep within.

 

The tension, the high!

Rushing into a sigh,

precluding preternatural calm:

eye of the hurricane passing above

like a tidal wave,

awash with sensation,

awake and alert and alive.

 

When it comes spilling over,

I know who I am

and I have something to hold on to.

I’m wrapped up safe in my tourniquet,

staunching the fountain of sadness

that wells up under my skin.

 

In the moments following,

the salt-trickle slows

and euphoria fades to spreading warmth,

relaxing down into the minefield visions

of sleep.

Reviews

[Sweet Emotions]

This is excellent! I'm adding it to my favorites.