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