Tiger

Love is vulnerable and fierce. Love is like a Tiger, gentle and fierce at once.

This love I have for you:

It never leaves me.

Time can't touch it.

The hurts and heartspills

Take archers aim,

But cannot pierce the mark.

Love overtakes me,

Though I flee like a gazelle:

It is a tiger, and love brings me to my knees.

Dreamlike, love surrounds me.

While I struggle to remain in reality

It's visions cloud my eyes

And I am consumed with your nearness.

Sometimes I move inside your thoughts,

An alternate self,

Frightened, I embrace this love.

It fits so well,And silence does not still it.

Dancer

Dancer-a surprise reflection of self

I glance into the mirror

And see

The golden child upon the stairs.

Still smiling from beneath the cares:

I see my face, eyes wise and worn,

Behind the child's eyes,

Tinged forlorn.

I hear her music:

Memories lilting past,

Turning to listen

I see that happy dancer

Giggling on the stairs,

Pirouetting through the seasons.

Leaving the cement walking to the woman outside.

Smiling from the stairs,

Still the golden child, but not.

............

Old woman sits rocking on the porch.

She is only yesterday, her future recedes.

And in the twilight

She sees the ballerina,

Giggling.