Splinters

It was not meant to be,
for you fled from my
out-stretched hand that
had been reaching--
through summer--
through fall.
Like an oncoming storm,
a cloud waiting to burst.
I was patient.
Biding my time silently,
stilly, hoping.
For I was allowed to hope--
by your eyes.

But the moment I crossed
the Fence--
crushed it beneath my feet,
cringing, but bearing
the Splinters--
The moment I felt within the
yellow atmosphere
of You and all that
You are--

I was pushed.

Falling head first toward a
cold, unfriendly pavement,
full of and soaked with--

Nothingness.

Pondering, wondering,
proved wrong,
bruised--even.

But not defeated.

I was brave.
I stood.
I lived.

It was a risk
I had taken.
A battle that
I had lost.

But there were no tears.

Only Hope.