From The Shades Poem by cahen thrips

in the shadow of a sycamore
silent sit to watch lovers lounge
in the sun; see how they dare
to touch when they think they're
seen by no-one.

look away; I shall avert my eyes,
pretend I didn't see so many
tender caresses which are
never for the likes of me.

lost within the shadows I am invisible
yet as solid as my untouchability;
so no stroke or gentle love
ever reaches out for me.

look away; avert my eyes
acknowledge my jealousy
of so many tender caresses
and not even one for me.

while true I've had my moments
those we used to share
of a thousand tender caresses
in the days when we would dare;
dare to touch other; dare to leave the shade;
dare to say I love you -
all memories too indelible to fade.

look away; avert my saddened eyes -
pretend I didn't see so many
fond reflections on those sunlit days
when you were here with me.

April 2023