Velvet

velvet
you crushed me
I will not stand again
today

velvet
I called you
to run your fingers
across my soft dress
red-like fire

velvet
I hate him
pushing my arms open
I don't want to give
my silk flowers
away

velvet
you see me cry
I broke my silver ring
I want the lights turned on
the smoke and red dim
make me sick

velvet-
green, wide eyed and empty
I pressed my finger to your mouth
fearing your attack
while you slept
I ran wild

velvet
you turned again
taking the rivers with you
the same rivers once held me
from my own destruction
I float down stream
belly to the stars

velvet
keep away
I hate the clove smell
you always leave stained
on my hands
and fingernails
and my dress
and my shoes

velvet
in my room
I can see your face
on every wall and shelf
I kiss you
but I still don't know
I don't know you
and never will

velvet
I will stand again

3-21-93