hooks captured

a gaze lingering

a little too long.

try

to

pry out

but the spirit

is neatly trapped

between dare and retreat;

needs to exert – pummels

unto daylight unable to leave

the sky aloof.

cravings, hunger, parched

with water all around; spirit grabs

with wanton delight;

feasting away, drinking abundance,

feeling strong, pummels the bleeding daylight

as night nudges day. pushing earth

into darkness, cool, contemplative night

with a trillion eyes – observing

unbound chatter, uncaring, free talk spills

as unrestful flesh heaves

burdens heavy to squalid insides

released.

comforting night breaks off

with rituals, mantras, habits forced

a letting loose, a confinement expands,

such fresh air

and all it took was one moment

as appetites manifested, as chains slightly

drooped to constant testing – a sunbeam

of light talking to darkness quiet. you feel it.

this strain, this discipline, this not you,

for completely. have you forgotten night?

she sings, she lulls, she soothes these tired muscles

when day trembles. when day presents

for others. a balancing act of squalor within,

a stiffened choking,

comes out as a release of. you shut off

till a gaze goes on for too long,

a spirt finds air

dancing with fire. it’s been too long,

pauses. hooks embedded, twist,

flesh adapts, a spirit morphs,

night and day blend together, like twins

no longer separate.

a look a little too long,

a spirit melts into flesh,

daring the sun to look away

as hooks flit about like butterflies; unsure

then finally settle down to rest

tattooed in ink; memories dance like

a duet – and spirit and flesh they united

as one no longer in conflict.