Playing for Keeps

When the sun was swallowed by the Harvest moon,
We knew that it was going to end all too soon.
But with your arms around my waist -- cheek against mine,
I knew that memory would survive against our greatest demon: time.
The wind had us strewn along the horizon, our toes in the sand,
And a tear fell from my eye when you gripped tighter onto my hand;
I could feel the blood pulsing through your shattering veins,
As we tried desperately to hold onto our haggard remains.

With a sparkle in your eye, you told me it was time to go,
And in your most fragile voice, you promised: "Just so you know,
This isn't the end of us, we can make it through anything;
I'm playing for keeps." -- [You left me dangling like a puppet on a string.]

I raced against the clock, hoping it might bring you back home,
Shame on me -- I always knew I was better off alone.
The butterflies in my stomach burnt and crashed, turned to ash,
And in the bottom of my heart, they writhe and gnash --
Wingless, as I am: holding the life in me to the clouds,
Waiting for the sun to beam on me, wrap me in shrouds;
And peacefully I can begin to sleep, while the stars weep:
Magnificent ribbons of pearl dance through the sky,
And softly, a cold fingertip pushes the tears from my eyes.

- Jenna.Elphick
February 24, 2009