flickering flames golden flecks in eyes
sparkling stars illuminate midnight skies
reflections mere memories passing by
the future is hidden in wistful sighs
shapes, shadows and silhouetted lies
thoughts like wishes and dreams that guide
why and how and where we hide
emotions shade the truth inside
ticking clocks and time’s disguise
from caterpillars to butterflies
pretence pretentious alibis
of who we are and how we rise
although the fear in us resides
in each new day a compromise
alive for now our bodies wise
battle awareness in our minds
with golden flecks and sparkling skies
and hopes for the future in our eyes
copyright © 2018 Karen Horsley