poetry is a soft whisper
and a torrential downpour

it mumbles truth
and spits metaphors

poetry is a cough that won’t go away
and a toothpaste stain
on a white t-shirt.

it is a patient splayed on the operating board
with surgeons poking and prodding
its most sensitive parts.

it’s the tears that form when the cold
slaps warm cheeks and
freezes damp eyelashes

poetry is warm honey
and chamomile tea
just slightly cooled

it’s the carvings
on the ancient oak trees
for love that was never lost.

poetry is an eskimo kiss
and a third degree burn.