The Shade at the Passage of War (poem)

20 Feb. 2017
The Shade at the Passage of War

i look about, i look inward
inward for the face that was once there
the face that would give me such a scare

i look outward
outward for the face that would glare
i look outward for the face that i would dare
dare you to let appear

it is far and also near.
it is the sum of all my fear.
whether you show it
or choose to hold me dear.

i find that i am able to call you friend
and only you can choose where to let that end.

the cracks, the fractures,
i can offer at least a dozen tools to mend
if that is your desire.

around me is a fire
the face is only fire
and it moves to the edge
not to the center
but you are truth

and if you choose to fear the heat
i can't yet show you much grace
but can accept you
for you are still a youth

but if you choose, we can turn
dancing deeper till our secrets join the earth.