heaven, forsaken

arms laden
with a bouquet
a dozen yellow victory roses
an extravagant cost of conflict
and resolving it, among friends
I cannot say or do anything
with impunity
safe passages from tactless to chummy
don’t exist with all of us
so, I offer those flowers, praying
that their perfumed melody in bloom
will shine like the brightest of stars
and ghosts of misfortune may fade
if my strong words against heaven,
forsaken by slackening beliefs
have not offended your righteousness

later the dried petals may become
part of your hidden mementos cedar box
kept as reminders that life is unfair…
I wonder:
will you ride out the storm
forgive and forget,
or glare daily in a thousand mirrors
of your contempt?



heaven, forsaken
[2007.9.2…c]
Second Place Winner for Lexi’s Poetry Challenge