“A tiny red scratch”
a tiny red scratch
somewhere between the neck and shoulder
can scar your heart for life
a secret smile
that hides in eyes wide open
turns into a carving knife
it carves so many lovely shapes you did not dare to dream of
it carves your body and your face, it carves your flesh
it carves so many lovely shapes you did not dare to dream of
transforming all known frames and forms, making them fresh
it wakes you up earlier each day
and makes you gaze out of the window more
into forever changing clouds
that seem so much familiar than before
you stare and look but sleep no more
until your eyes go red and sore
each night you force them to shut down-hoping your thoughts would follow too-
you lie as calm as cotton clouds, control your breath, your hands, your doubts,
you have convinced yourself at last, your mind is blank from words and past,
now is the time for you to rest
all of a sudden-
DEAFENING SILENCE
between your ears
that grows towards your mouth and neck
speeds up your pulse and makes you sweat!
you cannot speak, you cannot make a sigh,
the shiver starting low your back has moved in rapid waves
towards your thighs, your calves, your chest
making them slaves…
no holding back, no will to restrain
give in to chills, let them expand up to your brain
until a smile intrudes your lips
and spreads and rolls towards your hips
who would have thought this was the catch
from just a tiny little scratch?
Marcia Israilides