Doing Time

I know it’s hard, my beloved,

to dance

as the floor beneath you crumbles.

When it comes to grief, to loss, and goodbyes,

there’s only one thing you can do,

and that is the time.

*****

You have to do the time,

despite attempts to reposition, replace, reface

respace, rebuild, or redesign that void.

Go ahead love, and reframe that pain,

refill that cup of emptiness

it’s not going to work.

Not the drink, nor the pill,

nothing will.

*****

You have to do the time.

Alone

in your cell

brittle shell

let it swell

and then simmer

and run bone dry.

Let it die.

*****

Time is all you can do.

Make time

take time

pass time as you must.

But don’t waste it

please face it

don’t force it

just pace it.

Sit with it

and share it,

I’m here.

*****

Thin slices of agony

sheared away

a little more each day.

Do the time

on the dark side

in the greys

and find the light

seek comfort in the pastels,

be dazzled by life’s palette.

*****

The still will be animate again

and you will move across the line,

step into a new tomorrow,

without that burdensome sorrow;

you’ll dance and play and breathe again.

I promise.

*****

My friend, serve your sentence

drop the pretense

there is no defense

for healing.

Succumb to time

put it all on the line

your future is ready

thirsting for you,

waiting arms open

to welcome you in

to smile bright again.

*****

One day at a time, my sweet

remember

surrender

tend to your wounds.

Then learn to walk again

emerge

power surge

light shows

and fireworks.

*****

Come on darling,

straighten that crown

you know who you are

kiss your future hard

on the lips

open-mouthed

in awe.

*****

Sweet girl, start today

free yourself from that prison

you’ve done the time

there’s no crime in welcoming

a new life, sublime.

And there you’ll meet yourself,

with a heart ripe and ready

effervescent and ravishing

bold

and brave.