~ Glimpse of Color ~
by:  Katheran Hill

If I knew how to open my heart, I would let you in.
But, opening the gate would wash through valleys
that have long since lost their color.
The black and white world is much less likely to rip
my soul out and leave me lost in the brightness.

My eyes mist and my heart warms to your very touch.
A smile plays on my face
threatening to take back the darkness.
But, I find a way to close out the pleasant comfort
of dreams unlived.

Memories of being wanted and held
rumble deep below black waters.
Longing to be awakened;
stopped cold by white mountains of uncolored lands.
If only there was a haven; somewhere between;
 where I could watch the colors from within.

My eyes close and recall your arms...
No, there is no safety there....
The gates whisper against the wind,
 I know I have risked too much for each of us already.
The breeze blows warm against my skin,
And I hold my breath in silent prayer.

I do not want to remember,
yet I am desperate to not forget.
Each moment, each smile, each touch....
Brief, like the whispers of the gate.
I turn to retreat back into the black and white valley,
No longer knowing which ghost will come for me first.

by Katheran Hill
copyright 1999
used with permission