Doesn’t matter the veil
of darkness
descending upon us,
or the monsoon
of sharp-edged rocks;
if I can paint a smile
on those lips,
it will dull the sharpest
tips
and lull the shadows
to sleep.
A smile that lifts
the doubt
that thickens around the heart
when it clenches its claws
on the uncertainty of tomorrow.
Doesn’t matter the soot
about to fall from the sky,
overflowing
from the factory of lies
in the machine’s paradise;
if from the dust it leaves
on the pavement,
I can write our names
to remind you
of the truth they can’t erase—
our history
and the story
of how we’ll live to protect
this place.
Doesn’t matter the noise
already drowning our senses
if I can single out
your voice
that builds the strongest
defenses
against the pull
to choose indifference.
If I can draw out
your warm and infectious
laughter,
no, none of these would matter.
And I will guard it
with my soul
like a love letter.
Lull the Shadows to Sleep
May 13, 2022
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