Trinkets

I’m returning the jewels
loaned to me

Settling
for smaller trinkets…

…a teddy bear
a paper parasol…

I know it’s been a while
but I haven’t forgotten

It’s harder these days
relying on others

Accommodations unnerve
so I stay away…

…a silver ring
a hat for Teddy…

It’s enough really
I haven’t much to spend

but your faith in me
means a lot

and warmed by our connection
I’m willing to invest…

I don’t need diamonds or pearls
just trinkets to remind me…

(Image my own)

Alice Knows

Betrayal hugs with enthusiasm
public displays of warmth
so charming

Betrayal clutches vials
and pockets the laundry money
and gives a cheeky wink

Betrayal taps the shoulder
and ducks before the reveal
grins like the Cheshire cat

Plays me like a top
spinning, spinning,
and toppling hard

till I’m bent over
head between my legs
glancing backward

Sure that I just saw
the white rabbit,
out of breath

Each word a pill
making me bigger
or smaller

Then off with my head
Betrayal has made me a pawn
till it tires of me and moves on….

(Image my own.)