Footprints

Footprints

angry at the wind
at the rain
at daylight

angry at your smile
at the sound of your voice

angry at it all

this now
is where I live
and how

still you come
the storm-tossed nights
like a vapor
void emotion

leaving false footprints
in my rutted dreams
puddled shallow promises

with an offered coat
of synthetic sympathy
edges rough as a rope
peeled back
hypocrisy exposed

shivering
I wrap it ’round me
seeking warmth
but it is not supple

ill-fitted
it does not hold my form
nor bring comfort

your footprints
mark my soul
but you do not remember
the bend of my arm

nor the linen
that slid
slippery underfoot
on the marble aisle
as we stalked love

nor the vain promise
it would be constant
as the wind
as the rain
as daylight

~ ~ ~

rob kistner © 2012