Innocence Be Damned
When
the innocent last vestige
is lost in the ancient flames
and delaying too long
is dragged farther in
and with honesty is bared.
Falling in,
surrendering,
will the tender rose be soured,
and with the innocent last vestige
it's embers scattered on the wind.
Can the monstrous white horses
once unbridled be contained,
and the innocence once lost
leave a vacant vacuous void.
Will guilt and slinking shadows
eclipse the joy and pain,
of brittle innocence.
The 2River View, 4.2 (Winter 2000)