Bend and Bleed

Bend and Bleed (5th January, 2011)

It might be too late
for apologies
and gives, not takes;
truth disguised
by my vowels
and your consonants,
these bones of mine
you bend and break.

What happened to
the promised lands
of your hands
when they were gentle?
Eyes full of fear,
lost things
that I can’t gather here,
mercurial.

I watch you sleep
and keep my distance.
Where do we earn the right
to bend, make bleed?
At what price is lust sold to
lovers? Who made Gods
of mortal men, then left the
armour on to rust?

Intoxication and whispered
prayers, I hear
you stagger on the stairs
and brace my heart.
Love is an art of balance,
walking lines
that cross too many cares,
ungallant.