Fortress

A world untouched,
Still calm,
Gentle surface,
Silent echoes,
Sparse impressions,
Iridescent facade.
Words of hail,
Innate threats
To keep at bay
Everyone.

All existence
Contained
A minute box.
Was not always like that.
Brick here,
Mortar there,
Crack,
Quick fix.
Slow, sure,
The walls came up,

Layers made from
Tears shed,
Hurts,
Disappointments,
Worry,
Battles.
Bolts and boulders.

The Other Woman II

Don't think I didn't notice.
You watched.
Stared at her.
Your grip on my arm
Momentarily loosened.

I saw the quick flare in your eyes,
Followed by a shadow of disappointment.
Felt you withdraw a bit more,
Never hearing a word I said.

Could have forgiven you,
Might forget,
Ignored the signs even.

You stole a glance.
When she had gone,
You looked back.