Tensile Strength Poem by Alan Reed

Here we are
Just the two of us together
Taking this crazy chance
To be all alone
We both know it has taken forever
But if we are found out
It will break our homes
The tether along with its dance

Pools in our eyes
Northern lights in the skies
Not a palm oil light in sight
To pierce this cold winter night

Here we sit
In this old mossy park
We two in the dark

The wise old blue jay flies
His flock may be spies
Or they are carrier pigeons
Winging dubious lies


The grist mill flows
In its easy mourning clothes
The church steeple sleeps
And the tree top sighs
A soft breeze blows
And the journey cakes rise

The hope we share
Is a tendered feather
Someday we'll be discovered
Loved ones will care
Cupboards to be bare
And the threads that bind us;
a half-life of heather

So with pools in our eyes
Northern lights in the skies
Not a sound or street lamp in sight
To pierce this winter night
Live for the moment
A tear in our eyes
Soon we must bid elastic goodnight