Lying in a visage of treacherous stride,
Living on bushels of gold, barrels of wine;
Listening to the voices echo down
The empty halls of your heart–
Voices evil, lost, divine.

Through it all, though consumed,
Half-rotted by pride;
What your heart shall say
That you will abide.

I love you:
Though you are still in pain
(from what had been)–
How can I break through the wall
To hold you in my arms again?

© 2019 Shirley Siaton. Please do not take, repost or distribute in any form without express written permission.
Image courtesy of Henry & Co. on Unsplash.

barriers free verse hearts love