shroud

A shadow of a portrait that I once held on the wall
People still stop and admire, rest their chins in their hands and thoughtfully smile
But I have since took down the frame
And let the dust settle on it from afar

An occasional smile, glance, eye contact
But usually her hair shrouds her queenly image
a sliver of brilliance; a whole history of accomplishment hidden

wispy conversation. defeat.

some people we talk to, the words just vanish into thin air. wisps. as though the conversation never even happened. no substance, no real buildup in getting to know each other, no consequence.

--

defeated. but in defeat, there is great simplicity.