'TIL DEATH

in stealth, tonight was the night
she slid closer to the edge of the shelf
listened for the calm, steady breathing
held her hand close to her heart
to make sure it was still beating
one soft sign more, and she lower herself
a toe, a foot, a leg, then more to the floor

then pulled herself on hand over hand
feeling the numbness of fear
hoping her heartbeats wouldn't wake
or stop her as she came near
the object that kept her object
of some strange affection
as she once more attempted defection

even as she felt almost sure of herself
eyes had watched her exit the shelf
and noted her course in fascination
along with the body it craved
resisting the urge to snatch and save
this treasure far beyond measure
that it had made pledge love to the grave

(c) 2003 AnnLeigh Clair McGregor aka Rennie Lorca