The Envelope

I stare ahead
blankly
this envelope
sealed shut
offers no emotion
what could be inside?
I am afraid to know.

Letters on the page
blur before my eyes
swirl and dance.
I see shapes form
not words but faces,
bright like the dawn,
eyes warm like the sunrise,
smiles glistening like the early morning dew.
Surely a new day will begin.

Their hands reach out
mine stretch to touch them.

My fingers clasp shut
but feel a coldness, not warm flesh.
Faces draw nearer yet.
Their gazes turn to steel
smiles grow brittle and cold,
fading from sight as the sun sets
as the rain clouds my eyes
and my blood chills.

I stare ahead
blankly
this envelope
sealed shut
I offer no emotion
my heart is inside.

______________________

To check out some more of Mike's poetry, email him!

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