Page 21 - Contrast1984v26

LOVE

The word lies beneath my pillow
slowly losing its scent,
the unclaimed tooth,
the false red santa suit,
the dirty word that made you flinch.

I am left alone with it,
a broken wind-up toy,
my favorite picture book
whose words I couldn't read
until you, in your noble loving
voice had spelled them out.

It catches in my throat, the word;
it tastes bitter, like shame.
Forsaking all others
I remain tactfully silent,
you have gently reprimanded;
you say all is forgotten.

I know all is forgotten.

Last night I stayed awake, things
I'd lost all my hope,
I feel for my soft cuddly bear.
In the small, pale nieht light
I find I've put away my childish

and still, I can not sleep
entirely alone in the dark.

Rob~n P~dy