By Linda Goodman
Submitted by amethyst
Date: 2002 Jul 01
Comment on this Work
[[2002.07.01.13.10.20718]]

Venus Exposed

Venus Exposed

Don't stand there looking at me like that.
At least give me time
To put on one of my masks.
There were seven false faces
I brought along to this costume ball.
Just to be safe.
But I seemed to have mislaid them somewhere

Independence
was stolen one stormy night last year
while I watched you follow someone into a room
And closed the door behind you.

Anger
I haven't been able to wear
Since the day I hurt you with it.

Pride
I impulsively tossed out the window
When I called to tell you I was sorry.

Detachment
I guess, is permanently lost
Now that your smile,
Brings a lump to my throat that
I can't swallow.

Amusement
Disappeared without warning
The morning I first knew
what your eyes were asking.

Frigidity
melted forever
the moment you touched me.

Now, stripped of my protective cloak of poise
What will I do to cover my trembling?
When all my disguises are gone

The only one left is
Caution
And it almost flew out of my hands just now.
When I turned to go,
And thought I heard you say,
"Please Stay."