Love Poem: These Shards of Bitterness
John Lawless Avatar
Written by: John Lawless

These Shards of Bitterness

These shards of bitterness, they sting
a shielded moon in hiding
for I have nothing left to bring
but for this fear abiding
when it’s the fear deciding

hold it tightly in my grasp
this brittleness of pain’s embrace
refuse to let love’s grip unclasp
as with cold blood I darkly trace
faint memories I can’t erase.

 Last touch of yesterday’s warm tongue
its shivered tinge of waiting lust
sad folly of a heart so young
harsh coldness of a tarnished trust
beneath the gray, a moonless crust.


©3/5/2022

Quintain (English) Poetry Contest
Sponsor – Emile Pinet