we wait for it
patiently, as time
peels paint from fading walls
as the sun bleaches color
out of stained glass

it takes its sweet time
to writhe up from its hole
shaking off black ash
from past victims

once it had a pure skin
translucent and scented
oh how beautiful
we caressed it, held it gently
it is fragile, we thought
something to take care of

how wrong we were

once it found a home
the claws unsheathed
deep lines of pain
it slowly carved across
our bewildered hearts

now, known for its true self
it dispenses with the pleasantries
and drapes its being with
ropes of broken hearts
knotted garlands wet
with countless tears

though we are no longer deceived
we still wait for it
hoping for the smallest
glimmer of beauty
to break free of its
cold rotting skin
and become ours


02/04/07

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