Pieces of Me

I am a puzzle half built
with a clutter of missing pieces
scattered about the floor;
I am an unfinished picture
disjointed by the cracks and faults
that for so long have defined me

But a piece here and a piece there
does not make a whole
and you do not see the fragments of me,
nor do you define me
by my omissions,
you see the sum of my parts
and you delight in assembling me
one piece at a time.

Your fingers caress every piece of me
as you read my fine print
and linger over the meaning
of my words;
you taste every flavour
of my essence
with a discerning tongue,
savouring my hidden zest;
you glide across my image
with the palm of your hand,
sensing every syllable of me
like a romance written in Braille.

You slip one piece in place
with ease
smoothing over my edges,
completing one small segment
with your touch
and I feel your lifeblood
coursing through me,

And then 
You reach for the next piece
with a passion smouldering
in your eyes
that leaves me breathless
in the hope that it takes you forever
to complete the puzzle —

One piece at a time


Janet Reid
may 2008





Awarded by Poetic Constellations





Awarded by Poetic Constellations ~ Dawn, June 7, 2008