ache

ache and ache

and pain, then pulse

and purity

with hope convulse

  

and vanity

all-too-surety 

half within 

and all without

haunted harlequin 

and parasols 

make-up maids

and poppet dolls

this my reduction

hollow tones 

and hollow halls

empty cures

and vacant molls

unsure hopes

and failing failing failing

distempered kisses

and counting breath

the whispers cut

and tongue unkempt 

silk screen torn

and then I wept

this is your seduction