Opaque

I lived ... once I loved and laughed and ached from my marrow I spoke my soul, and spun my mind to my innervation and impulse Swam up spirits to the source of their dreams and passions I moved and breathed and thrived Slept and soared and savored the tang of carnality Counted my chaos, and measured my occupations with desire I danced with angels, dazzled and dark and unearthly And I sang to the heavens in their wildest weeping With a voice of callow intonation ... and melodious temper ALL with a child's heart, and a saint's assumption Yes, I lived ... once Full and bright and joyous as a midday meadow Yet, in the midst of a moment's suffering A soft, stinging moment of false hope and agony I pressed, tender, the lips of a curse ... One deep, warm, melting kiss of a temptress That turned to a coursing ... of poison "You will write with such feeling," she whispered, eyes smiling As the glass between us fogged with her bitter breath A painted fingertip, shaped and pressed Tracing my doom in the opaque mist Oh, vile brutality - to gift me this insight and creativity Only to shake it ALL from my grasp ... And turn me ... to dust. ~ 10th Place ~ in the "Opaque" Poetry Contest, Anthony Slausin, Judge & Sponsor.