Once Upon a Time Poems

Temper Temper

My jungle-heart
forces my eyes
to look away from you
toward a shower of ruby sparks
from the fireplace
where oak logs writhe
in hair-raising moans
and cynicism.

Rupturing an impulsive cloud,
the bewildered rain,
knocks on the door
to beg pardon
for the frigid air,
as you had attempted
a few minutes ago,
not remembering
that we make each other cry.

You have come,
like the weather,
with the temper of a tiger
offering a hunt-free day,
to ask for nothing,
knowing I hold nothing in my hands,
but if you’re missing anything,
I don’t have it.