in retrospect

in retrospect

blank page

at the confessional,

i can't admit to   

something you always knew. 

tied pages, 

bound in leather.

formative years 

peeking through

the ink blots--

smudged into 

incomprehension, 

those cryptids, 

big and small. 

strings

pulled taut

loop de' loop--

straining that song 

at my lips.

grinding teeth, 

off-center,

until the incisors

glow translucent--

will i, 

will i try again? 

come closer, 

won't you, 

so i can whisper

before the candle

runs dry. 

cold hearts, 

but it reminds me of home, 

your smile.