I mourn them
those angels
golden hearts that were too young to settle
 
beauty
an ethereal being that touches you once
but you leave her
and there is no path back
and shadows come
playing games
 
sometimes for a moment
in my nocturnal prowls
a mercurial flash shocks my body into living again
 
do you remember the castle?
 
that Slovakian air was cool and perfect
as we stood transfixed by the walls that told us stories
yet left us on the outside
 
we could see her roaming the corridor looking for him to attack him for his coldness
to kiss him just once
before turning his heart to eternal darkness
 
blood dripping warm and red
so red
your hand on my neck
a choice
 
the wolves sang for us because they heard your intention and my willingness
they beckoned us to take a chance
 
the river slowed herself to watch unhurried
showing us stars to tell time in liquid mirrors
'close your eyes' you said
 
but the animals in the madwoman's private zoo began to weep
and their pain opened mine
and your hand became something heavy
something unwanted
and the walls of the castle darkened their stone
and I opened my eyes
 
and we were just two people in need of sleep
on a walk
at 2am
in Slovakia

Linda Cleary is a performer - poet - writer - artist, based in the UK, who has been writing poetry and prose for over 20 years & creating non-traditional, diverse performances, at times utilising music and film, since 2000. Her performance poetry and style has been seen as unique, strong, raw and challenging; 'Powerful, uncompromising, rhythmic verse...Tough, lyrical beauty. Packs poetic punches, with aching sensitivity. A unique new voice. If you need a comparison, think...a young Joolz Denby, laced with Patti Smith overtones.' (Apples&Snakes 05) She has been selected to be writer in residence in August 07 at Can Serrat International Art Centre in Barcelona.