Contumely [07-23-01]

Never first and never last,
Darkened crack of tiers surpassed
A sheltered mother’s dream,
A silent scream,

Sickly chamomile delight,
Loneliness entices fright
Of death and soft decay,
Withering away,

A cedar basket’s broken lock,
A dying pulse in second shock
Erratic dreaming waked,
Harrowing mistake,

Whisper something sweet and cling
Awhile to my proverb - stinging
Song seraphic, cautious, numb,
Corraded calm,

Patience embalmed.