Copper Painted Compassion

(Part II of Storefront of Normalcy)

wait! the boy has awakened
but gives a private show

for the shy lad who begs for acceptance
only one is known who he can go

though sharp quills guard her dimples,
the soothing touch they cannot hide

for the quills only attack the storefront
never aimed for the boy inside

copper painted compassion
is what he peaks his head out to find

staggered by the wave of innocence
long swept to the back of his mind

his talk may seem repetitive
for in voicing affection he is unsure if he dares

translate when he says “It’s a Sarah”
is when he really means, he cares

–

so long have i planted seeds of reality
now sit back and watch them grow

for soon i can gather the fruits for my market
and polish them for sale or for show

lest i forget to tend to my garden
wherein the soil is easy to please

i may miss out on the harvest
and my mind will be ill at ease

there is one who holds a key
and has offered to mend my past

although fruit from another tastes sweeter
who knows if the seasons will last