Fire and Merlot

I remember the honeyed words, and the ...anticipation of the touch that rendered time irrelevant. I hear laughter in the next room; astounded at the drunk and the blind. it’s all so fleeting; we turn to dust in a heartbeat ...fading I speak in logic and move inside of thunder. as my skin is peeled away, as shadowed eyes follow me, and I feel fingers reaching from the grave, the familiarity of your nails scratching down my back and ancient melodies we shared that reflect our persistent missteps; the ones that buried me alive. I remember the creaky floors that carried you to our bed, The crimson sheets where we danced; We found harmony in this place As the world stoked it’s flame around us. I can still hear the echoes, Distant and smoldering. “My love was born in your eyes, Don’t you ever look away.” Your face hides in the mirror, Lost inside my own empty stare. You promised me forever. But beneath this broken glass, I can hear it all shatter. Can you remember how you asked me if we could turn back time? The ash that we laid to waste between your chains and my misgivings set ablaze in our lovemaking Now time is timeless for you and I feel you, erotic in your ghosting touches I still claw to hold on to this life You're essence caresses and taunts me your touch is warm, from the other side ...of this veil Our hands release from their dance, as your dead, coarse skin withers and dries ...no hope for a final embrace But I can still taste your merlot stained lips; The way they brushed against mine. I can still feel your pulse rushing to meet My own. Your voice, and it’s promises. “This world can burn us down, But our ashes will be spread together.” -Katherine Wyatt and James Kelley 2013, All rights reserved.