Smell of Silence

“Promise Tree” by Darcy Schneider

 

it’s not fear which sickens
nor anger which quickens
it’s more like surprise
tears stinging the eyes
cloyed vocal chords closed
no longer disposed
to utter the breeze
conversing with trees

in other words scaring
the truth out of bearing
uncomfortable judgments
retaining begrudgments
to stink in the void
life’s sweetness destroyed
in the sorrowful breach
of love’s promising speech

(originally posted December 2013)