Rebuking lines
Bent toward a spent path
Well-beaten
We grasped sovereignty
In soft, open palms
Side by side
Clasped in risk
Inset with uncertain sparkles
We spoke
Of things unsaid
With hushed, sideways smiles
Side by side
And, to the unsuspecting
A banner sewed of patchwork
We raised
With intrepid dreams
Against gale force life
Side by side
Drunk on hope
Of a distant vintage
We stood
Like newly birthed fawns
In an open field of predators
Side by side
Facing upward
Expressions unfolded
We were
Like flowers blooming
Flushed red with new warmth
Side by side
A bizarre spectacle
Of magic and mystery
We appeared
As practicing wizards
In a land of unlawful spells
Side by side
Drawing mobs
Pressed by presumption
We fell
Beneath the onslaught
Of small thought eyes
Side by side
But I prefer
The amenities of my liberty
In cells
Built to conceal
The possibilities of being
Side by side
Our hearts knit
May never beat in close proximity
Yet we are
Forever made of cords
Unbroken from despair
Side by side
Asking nothing
But the grace we engraved
Inside our skin
To heal our stripes
Disproportionate to our crimes
Side by side
And will be forever alive
If only at heart
Together
Recklessly unashamed
To have been
Side by side
When paths are drawn
Unbeaten before me
I vow
No fear to show
And on them we will go
Side by side
Taking your thought
And a love we all conceived
I know
The deepest magic comes
To those who walk
Side by side
vampireweather 
❤ this is very sweet and determined.
Thank you Lydia ❤
this is so good 🙂 super work and awesome photo, too!
Thank you. I am risking my anonymity with that one 😉
The eyes are the window to your soul. Yours are deep and good. Together we stand divided we fall. One of your better poems, I say that and also explain that all your work is amazing but this poem is above all beautiful. xxxx
Thank you, Willow. You are very sweet. I’m thankful you enjoyed it and I appreciate your uplifting words 🙂
Wonderful,side by side.Paths ventured as one.Love this one.
Thank you, Jsirrah. I’m glad you enjoyed it. It didn’t flow quite like my normal writing, but it meant something to me 🙂
I am thankful for this poem.
Why are you thankful for it, muse? I am thankful you are thankful for it
It reminds me of a simpler time, long ago it seems. A time when the laughter was carefree, and the smiles weren’t for show. Involved with risk and engulfed in love. A time when feelings and expressions reigned free. When my heart was exposed to those I knew. And i knew them judt as well. A simpler time indeed. Now days I don’t let myself feel or express emotion to those around me. I’d rather them know me as heartless or shallow than for them to actually know me, to see the depths of my heart or the lengths of my soul. Of course my heart is still there for now, but it is behind the safety of many walls. But I still haven’t changed the locks. For those who hold the key.
Ah, I do know those feelings. How quickly life can change us. Disaster, loss, pain…I never thought I would see the person I see today in my mirror. That person is disinterested in being known. I spent much of my life in secret, and my ventures into the open were painfully futile it seems. I will be content to be me in the hidden areas of my soul for now. The world can see what they will see from their perch outside. I do not want them in again. I’m so sorry for your pain. I can imagine the day will come when you smile freely once again and hope as you once hoped. Who can say? Maybe the day is today. If it is, be sure to accept it. The world needs your smile
Wow. This is such powerful imagery! I really love the intensity in your writing!!
Thank you Katie! So kind of you to stop by! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
This poem can mean so many things to each and every individual that comes upon it and yet to me it seems rather apt, being that on the morrow it is Remembrance Sunday and your words seem to echo that side by side commitment of the fallen heroes of war, an endless march that forever sings the courage and sheer bravery of all those that fell in conflict, indeed courageousness is their calling and we should all be very proud of their sacrifice. Do have a most excellent rest of weekend Vampire Weather…
Like I said, your poetry can mean many
different things my wickedly fine friend…
Androgoth
Thank you Andro. There are many heroes who deserve our remembrance. One of the things I love about art is it’s ability to move beyond a single meaning or a simple idea and expand in the minds and hearts of those who experience it. I am grateful for your words.
Have a wonderful weekend as well!
This is an extremely strong work. Wonderful custom form, great content, outstanding craftsmanship and excellent ending. Pleasure to read!