voice

words swirl golden
thick, rich, like
molasses from a pale blue Ball jar
poetry in deep amber
distilled life

Promise shadowed
by the barrier that keeps it inside
enticing, inviting
tightly held
inside

the vessel of my mind
holds my soul captive
the world only sees
through the glass darkly
admiring but afraid

to open is to see
voluptuous thought expressed
gentle, warm, sweet
pungent, embracing
the hidden places where
hearts roam free
unfettered
unseen
protected

please do not let
my voice stay silent
please taste
from the pale blue Ball jar
do not leave it
pristine
on the shelf of
unlived dreams


(c) 1997 susanna cornett