Breath lost in the shadows,
every corner hiding potential
threats. Strides echo; heat
signatures of sound to beasts
that may hunt the corridors.
Lights dim at my approach –
flicker, fade. Pulse races,
carries over my rasping,
ever present fears. This
nightmare is real. Those
chasing me are gaining.
Seen only from the corner
of my eyes. Heard just
out of sight; out of reach.
Heard…
out of my mind.
3am comes wearing
socks, ready to join
me for late night streaming –
Anxiety.
All ten seasons –
Some nights accompanied
by munchies.
Xanax, peanuts, chips.
Other times a red, dark
and foreboding.
After many farewells,
assurances we must
do this again,
Early Morning takes
its exit only as Dawn,
like a straying dog,
enters
tired and wet.
Ten clams were promised
in a bowl filled with fourteen –
happy the diner!
Our tide steals away,
leaves sand and muck, tiny crabs –
show for one who sees.
House hidden by plants
spied through iron lattice gates –
imagination!
Given a hand to pull
myself up from where
Life had laid me.
Given a foot to take
me anywhere I needed
to be to make life happen.
Given a brain to make
work less back, more wiles;
more joy, less trials.
Given a heart to share
as the need is proven
real, not just idle desire.
Given a measure of time to invest,
not spend or waste –
a measure.
No less. No more.
Life in Portofino 