From comments elsewhere: Five poems

[pomes]

An unlikely story, said the fae

... because that's what all the listeners say,
waiting for travelers to knock on their doors,
women all walking, barefooted whores,
seeking an ear with the faith to believe,
somewhere a voice that can offer reprieve
for a crime that they didn't commit
but endured...

---

A likely story, said the fae

Hush now, darling, go to sleep -
(I'll kill the fucker in his sleep.)
I don't mind that you're late again.
I hope you had a good time, then;
I hope I've cooked your supper right.
(The knives are sharp. Tonight's the night.)

---

An unlikely story, said the fae

I am not dead, I am not dead, I am only cold -
I am young, I am oh so young, I do not grow old -
I am still here, I am still here, I have not moved on -
But I came so close, my love; I was nearly gone.

---

An unlikely story, said the fae
Nollaig and Tadhg (Such an unlikely story in a fairy glade of such peace and beauty it's obscene now)

They do not grow old
As we who are left grow old
They who were left and lost and betrayed by those whom they loved.

They do not grow old
As we who are left grow old
They sought solace in the river and the river moved.

They do not grow old
As we who are left grow old
They were conscripted by despair as great as ever war was waged.

They do not grow old
As we who are left grow old
They grow mad, they grow sad, and they were so afraid...

---

Unnamed earcuff
Hey woman
I am like you
And we are strong

Hey gorgeous
We'll curve together
Touch and song

Hey secret
Purple whispers
Can't go wrong

Hey woman
I am like you
Come along?