Picking Wildflowers

Photo by alleksana from Pexels

There’s a meadow I visit in the loneliest of hours,

A meadow I disguised so it could be just ours.

I walk through it barefoot even when the bees sting,

Even when the peace is over and a blade is the king.

My basket fills with various poisonous flowers.

I pluck them ‘til I run out of my made-up powers.

Then I set the sunny field on fire with my hexes,

Sparks flying violently from my solar plexus.

The leaves burst into diamonds and crescent moons

Highlighting the dimness of these pale noons.

And I waltz back home through the deep forests

Wishing my wildflowers will make a man honest.

There I get my pipettes and spatulas in order –

I bought these after you called me a hoarder.

Drop by drop the deadly mixture comes alive.

My mind is buzzing roaringly like a hive.

And you beg for forgiveness but I can’t hear,

I get high on the sound of your worst fear.

So I hold the goblet and ask you once more:

“Who are you to rob me of all the valour?”

-JW

The Runner

Photo by Alan Quirván from Pexels

Sweat dripping down her chin as her warm breath vaporizes the winter air –

She’s the obnoxious type, insidious gaze and long tightly braided hair.

The smell of her floral deodorant is making me nauseous to the bone

So I watch her pass me from the onyx shadows, I want to get her alone.

She runs up the small hill and disappears for some time, have I lost her?

I’m fidgeting a cigarette bud between my fingers like an inept mobster.

Seven minutes pass and I hear her approaching the park again, I freeze.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips. I ready my fists to deal with this tease.

I’ve noticed her running by my windows ever since the last Christmas eve,

With her smouldering looks, with her black shoes, her heart of a thief.

It wasn’t attraction or passion, it was this beastlike, even primal desire

To choke her ashen, making the tip of her tongue burn with an ungodly fire.

So I wait where the streetlights can’t expose my pale complexion,

I shiver with anticipation as her feet cross the nearby intersection.

The closer her rhythmic steps come, the louder my right ear rings.

I even imagine someone finding her body when the first birds sing.

As she steps out of the light and into the poorly lit corner of the park

My arms reach for her shoulders – but there’s nobody in the dark.

Surprised I turn around, I spin like a lost child left alone in the mall.

Then I see it – right where the pathway emerges from the duskiness,

She stands staring, reminding me of a haunted doll.

I scream but no one hears my call.

-JW

Place Your Bets

Photo by Gantas Vaičiulėnas from Pexels

The game seems too easy,

It can’t be this simple.

You show him you charms,

Cover desires with a wimple.

The game is too wicked,

It can’t be this haunted.

You smile while he begs

But you’re what he wanted.

The game feels too gentle,

It can’t be this touchy.

You wrap him up tight,

Still they brand you too raunchy.

The game tastes too sour,

It can’t be this addicting.

You keep equating your high

With the lungs you’re restricting.

The game feels like a fraud,

It can’t be this corrupt.

Or could it be and I’m lucky?

If so, I beg you not to act shocked.

-JW

Him

Photo by Athena from Pexels

There’s a story underneath the soft black coat he’s wearing.

There’s a poorly written “sorry” too,

Look quick, the doubt is nearing.

There’s guilt in his cologne but I’m too bewitched,

Can’t look away while he’s downing the drinks,

Planning to gloat and grow rich.

There’s denial behind the green eyes, he’s so distant.

I would feel pity but my heart’s asleep,

Empathy’s non-existent.

There’s electricity all around as I approach his table.

It’s like he’s been waiting for someone to come,

To make his feet unstable.

And there’s a dry gurgle in his throat as he falls asleep.

One more cut and we’re done with it.

Look quick, the thrills are cheap.

-JW