Recognition

A few side steps 
off the curve you fall
and for a while 
there is a time and place
to bat your eyes 
and lick your lips
as if the package 
is all that matters 
in those moments when
the label tastes better 
than the wine
and the left hand 
on your Rolex
gets stuck 
between AM and PM
in a hesitating movement
that never gets beyond 
the here and now
...remember where you came from
not just where you’re headed
because at the end 
of the day
all that matters 
is what you hold
dear to your heart
even if it is gently worn
on the sleeve 
of your designer suit
with an occasional 
nod of recognition
to what once was… 

© 2015 TrilbyYates 

Pupils Dilate

An inherited trait 
flippant off the cuff 
snap and shuffle 
move to the other side 
without consequence 
or confusion 
The mind is clear 
and sharp 
but the heart 
like a rebellious child 
continues to skip 
to its own count
And not even with 
brighter days ahead 
will the path change 
or shift the tide 
once the stone is etched 
- because the sword 
always cuts within 
a fine line of what 
is fair and just 
There are no second chances 
for the wise guy or his side kick
 
Subtleties fall like petals 
of a loving gesture 
from long ago
Slow-mo flash dancer
carries an attache
full of fake mustaches
and sunglasses
Perfected disguise 
for the boarder patrol 
to turn a blind eye
pretty Mae West doppelganger
...You smile and we know
A slight glance connecting
to the other side 
a strangers eyes 
shallow and well hidden 
The image is a tactic 
applied with reluctance 
Hushed tone finger to lips
- you never let them see 
your pupils dilate 

I whisper inside out 
with added hope 
that you will hear me 
and pray you won't 
Left handed back slap 
glass tips wine spills 
dripping drops with 
a methodical sequence 
onto the tiled floor 
...and the count is off 
but the heat is on 
I see you sitting 
in the shadows
back table candle motive
shimmering light burns
Black shades drawn 
slick hat slightest tilt 
just enough to lay claim
your trade marked look;
just enough to rattle the cage
keeping me on off guard
intentional shove 
tap on the shoulder
always letting me know - a reminder

Subtleties fall like petals 
of a loving gesture 
from long ago
Slow-mo flash dancer
carries an attache
full of fake mustaches
and sunglasses
Perfected disguise 
for the boarder patrol 
to turn a blind eye
pretty Mae West doppelganger
...You smile and we know
A slight glance connecting
to the other side 
a strangers eyes 
shallow and well hidden 
The image is a tactic 
applied with reluctance 
Hushed tone finger to lips
you never let them see 
your pupils dilate 
you never let them see
your pupils dilate

© 2015 TrilbyYates