That soft solitary shape
perfectly framed through the pecan tree
A perfect fit
alone up there
Horizontal but not pulled
Epitome of gentle,
kind…luminous with warmth
existing only to give
shade…relief…comfort
Existing for beauty, white as a pearl
just as smooth, marbled with hues
of indescribable light
How is a brightness so quiet

Watch as the respite
is ignored,
unwanted
Choosing to remain under the seething sun
a glance at the beauty, at best
but the solace, is denied
isn’t held in any sacred place
isn’t held the way such a light…

The white swirls feel,
and so, shift to gray
A harsh darkness
is desired
it seems
The silent white crashes, uncaring
cracking open—each tendril shredding apart
to give
once again
with a drenching terror
And then too…displeasure
once again
an undesired hue

All that was sought was light…color
it was just always the wrong shade

September 16, 2024