From the Fringes of Familiarity

She's given so much to me

In paper dreams

Left kisses on the creases

Of my well-worn longing

She seems sublime

Regardless of social climate

Or clumsy dress

I paint her in broad, lush color

Fix diamonds upon her essence

In hopes the decadence of my effigy

Will bleed through a stony face

To caress my fragile heart

Into vital love again

Oh! Break the lock, find the key to my trepidation

Cast the heavy doubt aside

And find the smallest piece

Of a long-lost letter

That begins with a look

And ends with a limp

From my fractured frame I write this ode

For the coldest shoulder I will never hold.