In word and deed
I swore my fealty,
took the knee
and wore the ring.
And yet it
stopped not
your cruelty
to me
and everything
I held to be true
of love and loyalty,
valor and fidelity.
And so I withdrew
when love’s pale pallor
found no reciprocity.
I went inward indeed,
and have emerged as
something more,
just less
the burden of you.
No need
to carry on
the carrion
of love.
I heard it call
so clearly.
Nearly went deaf
from the
rumbling roar
of its
cloud shattering fury.
I walked the beach
alone
that rainy day
and watched the heavens
darken.
Harken to the
thunder’s commands.
Lightning pulled its
pale lavender tresses down
and kissed the ocean’s face
in heated passion.
Crashing, the waves
sent their foamy fingers
to shackle anchors
to my ankles
and pull me inside
and down
to drown
in fluid beauty.
Drawn to the edge, I wandered.
Challenging.
Foolish.
And the thunder saw me
and ceased its call,
cut its command.
I waited, dreading what I wanted
until
the panoramic parting
of the clouds
let through a patch
of wan sun.
The thunderous voice
began to soften,
and finally, mercifully
went silent.
Beyond Panic 