Falling

Of happiness, but does he ask
the venerable, winking Hotei why?
With a smile, though some would say a cynics grin,
laughter leaches from his mouth unbidden,
wrapped in the paper-thin sarcasm of an unwanted gift.
He dances to the merry tune,
but heavy feet may be his downfall yet
as songs of emerging love and longing
start sweet and low
then finish in a hale and hearty lust.
So happiness is indeed within him,
he feels her warmth
wrapped tightly to his chest
caressed, as with the hangman’s noose
he swiftly falls
through the waiting, gaping trap of love.

© Graham Sherwood 12/2011

Tomb Angel

Captivated, I can only stare as
you appear, a ghost to me.
Tell me how I should love you?
Without a touch, the feintest scent,
nor hidden smile on chiselled cheeks.
Ageless, set in such nubile torpidity,
your sombre marbled eyes
propose the question that stony lips
are doomed ne’er to form.
Demure sentinel, beautiful guardian
wait for me.


© Graham Sherwood 12/2011