Quasimodo: To Esmeralda Poem by Laurence Overmire

i look into your eyes
and see the stars
burning quietly
in a midnight sky
and i am humbled.

what hope have i
to rein a winged foal
dancing on a distant cloud
chasing the maiden moon
as she scatters her delicate veils
of luminous dust
on the sleeping earth below.

what hope have i
disfigured and alone
who cannot speak
and dare not feel
you will not hear the silent voice
that clamors in a trembling heart
you will not see the man
imprisoned by the shackles of his soul
you will not know
me.

i leave you now
lift your voice to the wind
run free
brave spirit
we never meet again
but i have looked into your eyes
and glimpsed the stars.


(Previously published in Lynx Eye, Spring '99, Vol. VI, No.2)