When the pen takes control.

I

lie,

trusting,

quietly,

craving the contact

pleasured, I allow your light touch

but you repay me with your restrictive betrayal

It was early in the evening but already the lamps of the rapidly disappearing houses were losing their battle against the descending, chill-inducing fog. I glanced at my watch for what was probably the fifteenth time since my arrival, surprised to find that only five minutes had passed. Not one person or vehicle had I seen, perhaps this was the reason she had been so insistent that this was the only place we could meet. The only place where we both would be safe from the night-stalkers who always came out at twilight. Even I was wary of them

Haiku

she raises her veil,

looks into the smoke-filled globe,

into the future

tanka

Your thin veil of lies,

smoke from the fires of deceit

extinguished by truth

my smouldering jealousy

will take a long time to cool

Every night I sit and watch who sits, dreamers, drinkers, lovers. All come seeking something, be it solitude or solace but none ever find it.

140 ch.