When I first saw you, on a crowded suburban street, I stopped and stared. You shone like a polished jewel in that plain setting. It wasn’t passion that moved me. It was deeper. Like the unexpected discovery of an overwhelming peace.

a new notebook
that brief perfection
before my words

It wasn’t long. I went out of my way to see you again. Everything was darker, downbeat after overnight rain. In that gloomy setting you were somehow plainer too – no longer hypnotic – your brilliance tarnished by myriad bruises.

last year’s bestseller
turning dog-eared pages
with less care

Ah, the might, or might not, each passing moment carries. Life intervened and it was some time before our next encounter. Quite by chance. How I wish I’d missed you. Your twisted, broken beauty was almost too much to behold.

this treasured tome
cradled in my hands
its broken spine

David J Kelly