Love Poem: Beggars Can'T

Beggars Can'T

I am faceless

Tattered by actuality

Heart thrumming in my ears

Blind to prospects

Voiceless ... soundless


Yet I scream, mute

Face to the sky, I wail like a fiend

Hailing the heavens like a forsaken angel

Above, the sucking expanse

A mocking roar of silence that drips, somber


And bleaches my bones black ... indelible.

Of those most dear, I brood

Ever-near, in my visceralities

The joy and regard that but their mention imbues

Sings through my blood like a brand


And buoys my spirit, steadfast.

They ARE my heart, after all

My essence ... my worth

Is this longing, then, but folly?

Should it NOT be the spur of my marrow


To hope for a shard's requital ... in love?

In tender, affectionate intent?

Or even in, dare say, (desperate) ... pity?

Even that, I'd surely embrace ...

Oh, yes ... even that.




* SECOND PLACE in the "Any Poem Won In A Contest In November" Poetry Contest, Laura Loo, Sponsor. *

* FIRST PLACE in the "Contest Number 355" Poetry Contest, Brian Strand, Sponsor. **