Recurrence

like a noose sat around my neck
at times heavy, at others invisible its presence unknown
so hidden in the waking light it sits quiet
ready to renounce the illusion if the thoughts come

but this is no longer day
and in the cautious tint of the resting hum
fibres of constriction begin to prickle and rub

cold shiver then tirade
jumbled words the encroaching gale
sharded puzzle without form or frame

this then the facet we don’t dare discuss
the face arranged to avoid our touch
impossibly announced its arrival
impending; onslaught

silence only barely maintained
the tight lip sealed its corner bit
yet misplaced emotion escapes the throat

shallow snatched uneven breaths
that punctuate heightened brimming fear
endured, this cacophony, a muted fanfare

realities awkward reduced to merely fit
sadistic they are barely held
the quivering fingers grasp the drops
pressing them into absolving palms

like a flare it soared rising from ground to the moon
now wings outstretched not even mercy can contain
so extends the dark lantern from rock to sky
life the shadow cast by this unassailable wall

now a little piece of the white cliff falls
the castle assailed, another casualty claimed by the storm
wearied will stumbles clearing refracted haze
and tired eyes welcome a breaking dawn