One knee beside the cackling brook. Buzzing, birds and misspoken words. Regret is doing it right, without cues, reminders or stand in. Laughing as I recall the reason for the Spring and Fall. Fading with the silent sun. The only word, uttered One.

Stars, lonely in ungrateful blue. Working hard to see through the eyes of wiser men. Twelve dozen unafraid, stood watch near the weeping willow. Swagger as realms forgotten and the strength to maintain structure in the midst of chaos and fallen stars.

Fate, so lonely marking time until script fulfilled. What recourse the renegade horse or man pulled from time, clumsily declaring ad lib embrace? Strange to hear the customary calls of cats, reminding men that no one lives to escape his fate.

Wick, lowered in looming shadow, dancing hollows, captured tales. Stored unread for reasons unbecoming, all hail hope in the prison yard. Keeping time with scant regard. Shortening dreams and hero prayers all stare hypnotized by trimming wick.

Thin the breath of one long draw. Desert brown and blonde cropped straw. All were left to gawk in awe. Time collided with matter and space. Leaving nothing left upon her face. Eyes stuck and shamed, unkempt princes with lips so gaunt and thin.

Left in scarcity, plenty of want, in sturdy saddle, extended hunt couldn’t tell the back from front. At John’s demand we changed the scene. From things which were and things which had been. If they knew what was ahead they simply left.

Pride effected and rosen cheek. Inheritance impossible among the meek. Laughing, singled out by those who thought themselves above it all. To show up naked to the Gossamer’s ball. Bedraggled hope of unpaid rent. Endure, abide with only pride.

Smile, wills the people’s heart. Parts chosen and leads cast. Hidden blend of rainbow minds. Frustration surveys through half drawn blinds. A kick and slumber, snores and chills. Vows recanted, bills paid, leaving early with awkward smile.

Pocket full of time and sand and all the things that we’d once planned. I scanned the perch for bird and beak or something sticky to plug the leak. Tried and true and candle blue, indelible, inked memories, parchment in my pocket.