No More

The raindrops pool at my feet

as street lights dance
in bubbling reflections
on the paved street,
where you and I once lived.
Long ago, when you and I
were still “we.”
My tears mingle with the rain,
where one ends, the other begins
as memories flood my mind
of when we smiled all the time.
The lighted window on number 24
stares me down like an evil eye
daring me to try
to reclaim what’s mine.
I let you go so easily,
my white dress marred
by your tears—
They are still there
A reminder of my sin
of wanting freedom more
than you.
You appear to me and smile.
A soft caress on my skin—a whisper
so soft, your hands beckon me on.
I follow you down the road
to the iron gates, the monster mouth
that hold you in—
For eternity.

© K.D. Schultz

Pearls

White orbs
in my silk-lined box.

Deft fingers carefully strung
your exquisite noose.
              
I am a bird that will never fly
my wings clipped
and chained by your gold.

My cage of marble and stone
impenetrable, like your heart.

I’ll never
Fly

Away from your hands
around my little neck,
sometimes I wish for death.

I bide my time
nod and smile
to your clever lies.

One day
it will be time
to take what was mine.

One day
I yank with all my might,
such exquisite delight

as they scatter to the floor.

A hundred little taps–
I’ve never enjoyed
a sound more.

And I breathe again
once more.

© K.D. Schultz