Doll

The dolly cries

As we climb the broken stairs

The fruit is black

And rotting

We are in the same nightmare

Best not take a bite

As the broken piano

Plays its lament

All around us are eyes

Some open

And watching

Others closed

Feigning sleep

We creep around

On tip toes

Quiet as a wolf in the forest 

Alice takes my hand

This is scarier than

My adventure

She whispers

Think of something nice

I say

Like cake and tea

And strawberry tarts

We furrow our brows 

Keep our feet moving 

It is like swimming in a dream

Hold our breath

Fall down the step

And with a hypnic jerk

Wake up.

Rose

We pulled a rose

In summer time

It was growing 

Beside the garden gate

The birds looked out

From behind the hedge 

Their sweet song

Filling the twilight

As clear as a

Chiming bell

We are a little late

To catch the sunlight 

And there is a gentle

Coldness in the air

All wrapped up

With the scent of

Lavender and rosemary

The rose is leafless

And pure

We will rest it on our white 

Pillow case

Like a kiss 

It will shine

Bestow upon us

Magical dreams

We head back

Into the house

Climb the wooden stairs

They creak underneath

Our footsteps

The thorns on the rose

Gently prick our fingers

What a fine day

She says

As we slip underneath 

The bed covers

Yes I think

Letting her tiny hands

And the rose petals

Brush my fevered cheeks. 

Piano

He plays a tune on the piano

His skin a beautiful sheen 

It glows as bright 

As the tune

We listen intently

Follow his fingers 

Lost in the moment

Like a magical dream

We used to play tunes

It was our voice

Sharp trills

And glorious 

Low notes

A single bell

A deep breath

Noise

We barely make a sound now

Tip toes on the floor

Silent thoughts

Muffled nightmares

I like it that way

She whispers

It is like a secret 

Our own musical score

Only special people

Understand

We leave before the song is over

So it lingers in our brain

A skip and a dance

And we are home

Happy and full

Of piano tunes. 

Peach

Her fingers brush my cheeks

They are as soft as peaches

Sweet as cherries

It is good to be back home

With my friend

My brightest angel 

She watches me breathe

It is a job

And a painful effort

Gently she slips an arm around me

And rests her head against my shoulder 

My stomach is clay

Full of new scars 

And bruises

They will fade

Like traffic moving into the distance

Nothing but a gentle hum

In the end

In time we will amble

From room to room

From door to street

But we must not betray ourselves

And fall back into the black times

We would like to be strong

Laugh and play

Take a late afternoon stroll

On the cliffs

All of this will come

She whispers

As long as you are willing

I shut my eyes

And rest.