Flame

The aftermath of old desire
The bunt out flames resigned
And clouds of ash left from the fire
Swelled and swayed in kind

When all the fragments rested still
Sprinkled all ‘round dry dust
A bone-dry, tepid winter chill
Swept up with one loud gust

The rubble landed on its paws
Perched itself on my heart
Dug in so deep with crafty claws
It ripped my bones apart

Skin bruised like devil’s tongue
Dyed sixty six shades of blue
Dented, welted, and over strung
I bound the rest with glue

My heart arose to tick again,
Strummed a lone string awake
To find a new flame to wane
And another dawn to break

Helena Malheur © 2004

sand beneath my feet

I saw the high tide gently rescind
Felt the sand melt beneath my feet
Listened to whispers of the wind
While birds sang with my heart’s beat

The swaying grand palm trees
I heard shake, coil and waver
Like the flutter of butterflies’ wings
Causing my very core to quiver

My shadow dissolved behind me
As I strolled with spring in my stride
I frolicked in the glistening sun
Devoid of boundaries to abide


Helena Malheur © 2005

Secret

the taste of a secret
lingers on the tongue
raw and heavy
it's robust flavors
rustle between teeth
and shout for freedom

a spoon made of guilt
a cup of shame sorbet
one scoop, one bite
one memory at a time
and calm cheeks
keep the truth

Helena Malheur © 2010