mauve bruising to thunderhead

as gold edges blue-purple clouds

sunset promise of anguish

to be faced in lone darkness

anger to be mellowed by night’s quiet

battle for peace

courage to be summoned to face

a rather-not reality and fears

i will admit to sadness and strip

delusion of control

“i” remain, depleted though i am

i will give what i can and keep

what i need to

dawn will come again with warmth

to swell the sight and smell of purple plums