"blackbird"

he wielded his love
like an engulfed torch
in the night
a sullen winged umbrella
built for one
shielding two
between the smoke
and the sighs
a shared haven
of unspoken words
despicable
addictive
intoxicating
you

"principal periphery"

resting 
on pre-writ epitaphs
you spoke 
under your breath 
cat calls
exposed
your truth too soon
words that the silence 
greedily stole
words that the darkness 
thankfully shielded
and we had a piece
as love's principals
and we had a peace
resting on our periphery
as a rebuttal
i whispered your name
into back worn sheets
as if the creases 
would keep our secret
as if the folds 
would hold us warm
and we held peace 
out to the periphery
and we cast love
as our life's principal

selene santiago