Shields of Stripes and Plaids

We are separated by the blankets
strewn along our street ways

We can't wait forever
to pick which guise to hide beneath

Standing on the sidewalks
we wonder if its too risky to mix

Stripes with plaids, browns and blacks,
but we need covering

So we think it over some more
and we tap our toes

The sky is brooding and swirling
and brewing something cold

The former wind was warm
and full of the ghosts of our memories

Of when we peeled off our shirts and shoes
and washed in the rainwater

When my arms and thighs remained full of you
and our bodies warmed the air

But the wind took off with our heat
and snagged you away

The moment I took my bite from your skin
you were gone

And now when the wind blows cold
drained of our memories

And the clouds churn and moan above us
there is no more considering do's and don'ts

All we can do now is hide
with our silliness and our bare feet

In a row of stone buildings
it is linen we choose to shield us from the storm

Reviews

[Jesse F Hayes]

Very powerful imagery. I love the interspersed cloud stanzas. It really gives a strong message, and a definitely feel to the piece. Brava!