The Chimes

“The Chimes”

The warmth of these tears is like your voice,

When you blossom where nothing grows,

Towering overhead, my heart withers with the sun…

Alas! that I never can dream you at will.

Where we meet, the birds weep in tears of song—

So beautiful—so sadly beautiful in wings of pearl,

Where colors dance as I understand them

Through my tears, in a peaceful dream

Where I have cried against decay—

Where I have wept with such happy sorrow

To find myself in your arms—where I want to stay—

Weeping joyous in the sorrow of my heart in your dead arms.

I want to stay where only your voice is real,

Naked in the dew; never saying, “goodbye,”

As I waken with eyes closed over the tears

Following without you from the dream.

Beautiful—so sadly beautiful—the chimes

Sigh in welcome, far across the voiceless sun.

I hear the birds, but they do not sing,

For I dare to sleep no more.

© 2023 Marten Hoyle