(2007) Petals Poem by Deana Rode

Petals in the moonlight
shattered pieces of remembrance
through the soft glow we see our transgressions
millions of them, dew drops on scented skin
formed by the mists that silently fall around us

I see mine scattering across the wind
brought about by my own feeble redemption
exposing myself in a hauntingly beautiful array of light
as sheer silver paint flickers off their translucent forms

Slowly the darkness takes control of us
fixating our eyes onto empty dreams
hoping that if we pray hard enough
substance will come and make them whole

It's time to let go now
steady, take hold of my hand
we'll mourn together the loss of ourselves
then stand upright and walk away

For this is all we are in the end
fighters of an invisible enemy
soldiers of a private war

And all that's left when we're gone
will be the empty land, the dying fogs
and these petals in the moonlight.