VI

Pocket Photo

Golden medallion hidden in my heart

gilded circle etched in my mind

one photo preserves it all

one smile etches and traps all my pain

Every now and then,

when I hate myself, I’m sure,

I snatch a glimse at the picture

and then it all comes loose

Memories pull me down the raging current

tears flood me, fitting to drown

guilt and remorse become my mortal purpose

and the trance relaxe my state,

taking my hand, assuring me

there is always comfort to be found in the past

To rest under the tree of that day

cherish the shade

forget the chilling wind,

the raging snow,

the chasms of the ages

and just rest

close you eyes,

forget it all

But then a stampede of asteroids

tears through the sky,

making me lose my balance floating

and the locket--almost--escapes

my thin fingers, but it never could

so I slip it into my suit again,

steadying my focus

to make it through now

Minoka

fearless warrior

of the women

confident and headstrong

compassionate

but missing

like a puffed out candle’s flame

Aesthesia

wanderer

intergalactic historian

born of the stars

and just as lonely

Next Chapter: Lost Helmet