Smooth Talker

There and not there

In the space where I thought I had met you,

I have found a pebble.

All my love reduced to a pebble.

Unlike some people, I refuse to talk to a pebble.

Sometimes I see shadows moving,

hear voices whispering,

and think, My rescuers have come.

With tools and spectacles, they study the pebble,

which I insist is not mine, and they leave.

I have memories in chaos.

Words, songs, scenes, moments:

All mishandled; best forgotten.

I look for recognition, and ask

If you have left the key with me.

You made me see beyond this space and time,

Challenged me to reach,

Encouraged me to leap,

And left me in the air.

I should not be so surprised.

With teetering faith and questions upon questions,

I walk back and forth.

Your pebble is a smooth pendant I hang on my neck,

A rock weighing me down,

The universe outside of me.

I am at once a feeling being,

Exposed for the world to see,

And I am free.

What can a pebble do to me?

Nothing.