Day: January 21, 2021

just beyond
the big roan
rustles in his stall
as the faded red slats
of the weathered horse barn
quietly creak

inside
at the oak table
we sit with dinner
and complacency

there is little resonance

we care for one another
our love goes without saying

meal finished
we clear the table
to the clinks and clanks
of china and sterling
being rinsed
in the stainless steel sink

we converse very little

no need
we know each other
we know without saying

task done
we part quietly

me
to my desk
to write

you
to your chair
to read

outside
golden sunset
softly shades
the side deck
to easy sounds
of settling horses
content from final feeding

tubular bells lilt quietly
in gathering twilight

inside
soft shadows
blanket subtle activity

we are comfortable
in our quiet bond
that goes without saying

outside
a wakening wind
greets day’s end
chimes vigorously keep pace

inside
turbulent uncertainty
stirs

as I type
I wonder

are we really happy
surely we are
that goes without saying

but why is it
we do not say

we wear these masks of coy silence
to hide the vulnerable face of love

how dangerously foolish we’ve become

it’s then
my heart wants to call out
to rouse you
from your pulp and plot

talk with me
I lift my mask
see me now
see me new

talk with me
I can still surprise

let us say
what is not said
unmask our hearts
and talk
before our love
slips away
without ever saying

outside
copper
chimes in the darkness

inside
silence
rings aloud

~ ~ ~

rob kistner © 2021