A Very Serious Altercation Poem by Chris Zachariou

A fragile child with bruised wings
you found refuge in the caverns
of my troubled mind.

I kissed your broken hopes
I warmed you with gasping breath
and prayed to the gods
that you would never leave.

You dazzled me.
A splash of bright colours.
You tried to shock me
and then demanded my response.

A coupling of minds,
we fed each other's need for loneliness.
At ease - we both knew
we were never destined to be lovers -
we revelled in the sin of happiness.

I was terrified.
Strike out first
push the button
wreck, destroy.
Banish this beguiling dream.

I plunged into that familiar pit
and painted all thoughts
of us on the walls in black.

But how I miss your song.
Your face is now a prisoner
trapped in a hopeless light.

And I wonder.
Did I ever really know you
or I was just a stranger in your brilliant life.

I put my head above the parapet
and look at your happy world.
I speak to you but you stay silent
and I sink back into my lonely life.