Shadow and Light

She's the Victorian-Steampunk- Lady
Blush-sorbet camisole corset and opal, cameo choker
Bella Donna eyes and a shy touch,
trailing the scent of rose and honeysuckle
That alluring combination of vulnerability,
innocence and unawakened passion
Gibson Girl charme, offering pink-candy kisses

She's the Gothic-Wildfire-Woman
Raven-laced, thigh-high, snug stockings
Black on black nail polish, ember-red lipstick
and winged heart bracelet
That hot mixture of magic-madness, poetic-pain
and nightshade bewitchment
Growl (not a purr) and she-wolf perfume

She's a soft presence, airy as Heaven,
But tethered by a darkness that leaves her mind swimming in Hell

Don't you love her?
Can you stay and love her ...
even though she's beautifully broken
and stitched together, by thread slivers of shadow and light?

(c) Kay Irvin

Gothic Victorian

Flames are on the leaves
The waters are still
Wistful presence grieves
Riddle charms surreal
Can you feel, can you feel?

There is calm before the storm
Something dies, something is born
And thunder lives
(she is)

Hazel eyes know pain
They look into you
Lightning splits the rain
And she reaches through
Believe ... do you, do you?

Nightmares chill the bone
And there's no way out
You are not alone
She's heart of the house
Do you doubt, do you doubt?

Climb up to the thirteenth stair
And she will be waiting there
She knows you are so weary
Her soft touch may seem eerie
She knows you can understand
Love is the take of her hand

And she is strangely comforting
(she is)
Dark hair, deep stare and black lace
Dark soul offering embrace
And she is strangely comforting
(she is)
The piano plays tonight
Chime tolls long, time come alight
Thirteen candles burning bright

And thunder lives
(she is)
Gothic Victorian
Sweet flesh of porcelain
(she is, she is)

(c) Kay Irvin

~ In part - for Sarah Winchester
And the Winchester Mystery House
The "13" is also for my Mother,
Born in Springtime (13th day)
Often, when I write, 13 will be mentioned
(my favorite number)
"I love you Mom and I'm thankful for you every day."