Autumn Love

Bright romance was a waste of time and cruel
One sided light to catch
One way compromise by its rule
But I refuse to chase

When you've known love to only palace scars
You need someone the same
To open and release the stars
Dark romance, tears, embrace 

Tortured souls with tormented charms
Be welcomed place mid sheltered arms
And within our darkness, we have come home

Autumn eyes, whose changing colors collide
Are seasoned with struggle
Stormy depths to get lost inside
Familiar with refrain

Deep kisses, hungry with a hint to bleed
Are less about the want
And so much more about the need
Unabridged, starved by pain

Tortured souls with tormented charms
Be welcomed place mid sheltered arms
And within our darkness, love has come home

Always outside, while others held the Spring
Always outside, while Summer singe would sting
But now, doors invite us for everything

Tortured souls with tormented charms
Be welcomed place mid sheltered arms
And within our darkness, love has come home

© Kay Irvin

The Gothic Queen

Summertale, take your leave
Winter, make bow before your turn
These Autumnal eyes weave
That fire held deep but now shall burn

Time will haunt, sable gowns reclaim 
Blood red horizons will kiss the skies
Trees will weep tears, as drops of flame
Witches will dance and rapt throne shall rise

Bard and Muse rendering
The lakes will chill and as the breeze
Your body whelms, trembling
Aria speaks - now, to your knees

Haunt will harvest shadows waking 
Apples will rot but hot spice will thrive
Dark pleasures are for the taking
Vampires will hunt, reign shall come alive

Sunny days fled, not to look back
Those unfaithful roses thorned some fools
Gilded irony, edge of black
Whose loyal scepter shall blaze and rules

© Kay Irvin

Summer Threnody

Summer romance, be what it may
Sun shines down but can never stay
Leaves fall crisp as the ground turns cold
Burgundies sail, magentas sweep
Birds nestle sleep in beds made of gold

Less and less, he might ask about me
But I tell him what he wants to hear
It shows, we're going through the motions
Emotions sear
Time knows his care hasn't been sincere

Seasons move, seasons lose
Sometimes seem lost
As some lovers do
Autumn arias trace
Maybe there's place
To be found
Mid the fall
With a love who can give all
(as I have, as I would)

Sunburst and bright beauty won't last
That first chill in the air sends cast
There's certain bittersweet appeal
When sunlit reverie goes dark
I'd rather part and find something real

More and more, he's not here, by my side
And I accept it's not meant to be
Promises broke and wishes depart
His heart left me
Sure as Summer fades, comes threnody

Seasons move, seasons lose
Sometimes seem lost
As some lovers do
Autumn arias trace
Maybe there's place
To be found
Mid the fall
With a love who can give all
(as I have, as I would)

© Kay Irvin

Autumn Woman

She gives you a wink with a soft smile
And you feel as though she's grabbed
something in you, some place deep inside you
- that's been sleeping for a long time
A curious magnet, drawing you, pulling you
... close to her
You're only too happy to be taken

She makes you weak
Hot, bats in the stomach, quivering weak
And you go dizzy when you think of
- how much
- how hard you've fallen in love with her
She sees through each and every facade
- that you could invent
She crumbles the walls
Any excuse to avoid her charm
... goes out the window
You're only too willing to be consumed

You would be devastated to see her cry,
... which won't be often, because she's fire
There's a flame within her ... and she burns
- Like the bursting colors of Autumn leaves

She's not the bright, bubbly, Summer girl type
- Bouncing, clubbing, laughing
Omitting a fragrance of fake bouquets,
... cheap liqueur and of stale, men's cologne,
... from the couple dozen guys
- that she flirtatiously rubbed against
Odds are;
You'd be drunk on fantasy
Getting off - on a high maintenance illusion
Puking your regret by morning
You'd only be a shiny, new toy,
... 'til your party girl tires of her plaything
And with this, you're only too sickened
... by how true you know it is

But not the Autumn Woman
- (no competition, no comparison) -
The Autumn Woman
No,...
She's not all used up and spent out
She is different
The one you would kill to keep and protect
Her flaws make her perfect
The real deal
Reclusive, resilient and beautifully dangerous
She's the kind that'll drive you mad
~ A trembling, euphoric, slow moan,
... 'Say my name' sort of madness ~
The forever love, mutual-worship lover
The fever you can't get out your head,
... because she owns your heart and soul
Intense, strong, relentless
When she looks at you,
... you're the only person in the world
And that's a powerful hook, like a spell
She dresses in black [it's her armour]
But she wears it like a gown made of night
Her lipstick kisses are like
... lovely, dark, crushed cherries
And she tastes like warm sugar
Her shy ways can turn risqué
And you really adore how that turns you on
She smells like dreams and sex and magic
In the purest form, the sweetest honesty

Her come-hither heels can bring you
- to your knees
But her tender touch lifts you to Heaven
And she cradles your insecurities,
... like an Angel, wrapping 'round you
- with black wings

© Kay Irvin

Midnight in Bordeaux

Burgundy once met with an airy, lavender eve.
Iris petals and balloons, floated an Autumn breeze.
Scarlet oak and sycamore lined sleepy, shady paths.
Ticket booths warm-welcomed crowds buzzing like honeybees,
Carnival enraptured, captured to please.
Sugar rimmed glasses, cherry jubilees.

Overarch were old posters, snapping, waving us in.
A magic man drew his wand like a sword wielding knight.
'Peek unique!', hollered out, 'There's a freakshow on the left, -
For a token, peep the showgirl, burlesque on the right, -
Step right up,... the funhouse mirrors ... won't bite!'
But height was fright, crept from a stranger's sight.

'Round I raced, footsteps chased, following my every move.
Past the corner, popgun shout, 'Win a prize!', I did go.
His painted mask led terror to imagination.
I thought,... this stranger, gone watching, stalking me,... I know.
Wicked comes sure, as crisp, maroon leaves blow.
And Fall is eerie, Midnight in Bordeaux.

'Don't be afraid, hear your fortune!', beckoned a mystic.
'Gypsy', said I, 'tell my tarot, gaze the crystal through!'
Frankincense burned, a black cat purred as the lady hissed,
'You won't meet a stranger,... But a stranger will meet you -
Onyx eyes ... with fire in the blood, anew -
Tale, legend, fable,... but it all ... be true!'

Every good thing must come to an end, 'tis honest phrase -
Tents billowed as wings, while cotton candy swirled to slack.
Ferris wheel lights went out, slowly one by one, 'til pitch,
And carousel, wild horses ran free of their track.
I saw visions that can't be taken back.
As still, chill gazed ... the stranger's eyes of black.

Always, I had wondered, what lasts beyond day's bright stay, -
Is anything immortal, when life unfolds to dust?
Such unknown, dark delights were only ever riddle.
But the unnamed gave answer mid season shades of rust.
And to this stranger's side pulled starry lust.
He magnetized me, easily to trust.

Under an alabaster moon, I sighed, 'I am home.'
The stranger's eyes rolled over red, when fed crimson kiss.
And then, whose whisper kindled my heartbeat with cradle, -
'Betray and farewells be pain you won't miss,-
Though once were tears, think not of the abyss; -
'Strigoi are kindred, born to endless bliss.'

Xiphoid, twin touch siphoned Summer unto its death.
Long after pitiful decay, some will thrive from sieve.
We're carnival monsters, nosferatu, shadow-dreams,
Time is the love, though kill know spill paired by sharpened shiv.
Bond is the blood,... this world has much to give.
Now, I with him,...each victim screams, 'They live!'

© Kay Irvin

~ About going to an Autumn carnival,
meeting a vampire and becoming one.
I wanted to do something a little different
with this poem.
The first letter of each stanza (top to bottom)
spells the word: B.O.R.D.E.A.U.X.

Gray Garden

The shadow season nears
Sunflowers and sun dance disappears
Tumbling, absence of light
And leaves trickle down without color
Ladies stroll by, with their cavaliers

Time passes and turns cold
Moments, hours, days to years grown old
I held onto wishes
But Autumn breezes blow them away
Love - come ... tell me about forever
Your medley of hues, airbrushing the gray

Swaying trees line the lane
Genteel march, souls remain
Enraptured,.. like fragile, paper dolls
They capture my heart with beautiful pain

(Love - tell me ... no wish is forgotten)

(c) Kay Irvin

♡

Samhain Night

At last I see you
You see me
Though end of us came to be
Separated by two paths
We follow
As the bewitching hollow of the deep woods rustle
- Autumn leaves crackling, tumbling
Farther and farther (apart)
Samhain Night, and only a veil of souls fall between

Tree limbs cascade hands
Outstretched cling
Their bony, mangled arms swing
Tangled branches dance, descend
For to cloak
As chimney smoke floats across the scarecrow and haystacks
Jackal eyes gaze and flicker
Watching, waiting, debating
When, what way, how to haunt you
Burning through with memory

At last I see you
You see me
Though end of us came to be
Samhain Night, and only a veil of souls fall between

Jackal eyes gaze and flicker
Eerie candle wicks whisper
Once there was a brighter side
Love is pain,... a pitch heart bide
Samhain Night, and so I bring thee dwell of darkly dreams
Samhain Night, and only a veil of souls fall between

(c) Kay Irvin

Lycanthrope

The intruder's coming
Carnivore, I'm learning
Muscles and nerves drumming
Edgy, speeding, burning
Turning
Turning

Feed,... feast 'til ache is quenched
Hunger's all that matters
Distorted fix is clenched
Jaws, fangs, claws, pangs shatter
Splatter
Splatter

Fallen eyes lock lone reflection
Something of stunning connection
To recognize the familiar
And stranger, in me, is living
Will the sunrise be forgiving?
Forgive
Forgive
(forgive me,... beast I see)

There is no mask to fake
No Autumn trick or treat
When nemesis finds wake
And full moon throws white heat
Must eat
Must eat
(until the hunger's fed)
(blood-red, blood-red, blood-red)

Fallen eyes lock lone reflection
Something of stunning connection
To recognize the familiar
And stranger, in me, is living
Will the sunrise be forgiving?
Forgive
Forgive
(forgive me,... beast I see)

... Forgive me

(c) Kay Irvin

Cotton Candy

Blame it on the warm breeze blowin' his hair
The midway booths couldn't keep my interest
Yes, it was just mighty fair

Metallic axles were hummin', grindin'
One last ride on the neon Ferris wheel
Anticipation's climbin'

(I want us to be alone, take me home)

He's a hazel-eyed devil ... still with wings
And when his blue-green changes like mood rings
His halo might be slipping
And he knows that's fine with me
His breath moans for love, calling me ... "darkling"
The death of Summer never tasted so good
Hot sugar, sticky fingers, cotton candy
(Cotton candy)

(He wants us to be alone, take me home)
(lane, porch lamps vine, can't wait to get inside)

Night gardenia, near the door, waves perfume
Blame his eager hands on misty moonlight
It brought his senses abloom

When he gently pins me against the wall
His arms tremble as his body presses
He knows he can have my all
(I know ... I can have his all)

He's a hazel-eyed devil ... still with wings
And when his blue-green changes like mood rings
His halo might be slipping
And he knows that's fine with me
His breath moans for love, calling me ... "darkling"
The death of Summer never tasted so good
Hot sugar, sticky fingers, cotton candy
(Cotton candy)

(our touch, heat-sweetened with each cherry kiss)
(whipped cream like heavenly clouds dissolving)
The death of Summer never tasted so good
Hot sugar, sticky fingers, cotton candy
(Cotton candy)

(c) Kay Irvin

This was written a little out of my comfort zone.
[that's why I wrote it & deep down, I'm a romantic]
But a single gal, on her birthday, can have a bit of fun.
So, adding this one as a post today.
Besides, that mystery man (with a dark side, just sayin')
Is a nice thought.
There's the Fair/Carnival, end of Summer, flowers & cotton candy
For scenery/season change ...
- The first slight hint & feel of Fall in the air.
xxx

Autumn Bride

Rustic bursts of amber, sandalwood and clove
Pass over the cottage threshold from the grove
Victorian damask gently floats, October kissed

Rainy-night, sweet water replaces the sun
Cherry, nutmeg, smoky myrrh and cinnamon
Blend candy apple and pumpkin spice, candlelight twist

Gothic, canopy bed, draped vintage blossom
Dazzles the dreamy-eyed, ballad-bliss Autumn
Crackling thunder and fire greet blush, champagne chill

Ardent scarlet, saffron and gold kindle bide
Black forest cake, ginger cream and sugar bride
Charm the groom and warm the room with love's, toasty, fine fill

(c) Kay Irvin

Halloween

More than a knee-jerk reaction
More than a dimpled attraction

(Come to me) ... she's not right for you
Pretty, Summer tart seems brittle
Maybe an overdose of sheen
Welcome to darkness
Come and lose your soul, fall in love with Halloween

More than just a growl in the breeze
(I am) ... more than fiery tease

(Come to me) ... she's not right for you
Do you crush for Princess Sunshine
Or do you crave Witching Hour's Queen?
Welcome to darkness
Come and lose your soul, fall in love with Halloween

There's a reason why ghostly season is clever
Nothing here can die and I'll haunt you forever
Welcome to darkness
Come and lose your soul, fall in love with Halloween

(your) Trembling fingertips, crimson black ribbons
(my) Bloody-kiss lips, (Sweetness), you are forgiven
For turning-on to the ideal,... buzzkill maker
No one could be faker, she's so not right for you
Her fleeting brush aims fickle play
But my hooks tickle every day

Come to me, close, so close, so close
A razor couldn't slip between
Welcome to darkness
Come and lose your soul, fall in love with Halloween

(c) Kay Irvin

Epic

Say what you mean, mean what you say
Not some tomorrow, my love and sorrow
For today

Because you play with surety
Because you seem confused and hurt with deny
Because as well as I could have you, I don't
No answers why, no trust and tie
We should try
(we should try)

Say what you mean, mean what you say
Not for never, my love and harsh sever
From halfway

Because you tease all my insecurity
Because you flirt and contradict
Because perfect as you could have me, you don't
Not blissful high, not the epic
So classic
(we could be)

July breeze, wind chimes
Gliding a sultry fix for Summer nights
Autumn gilt fingers
Feeling, finding snowflakes and Christmas lights
We can cite
(we can cite)
How love's worth the fight
Tell me ... we're all right
Show me ... we're all right

(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."

The Ghosts and Autumn Tambourine

Perhaps travelers all in at twilight
Searching for leaves and bed to rest a dream
So I thought, as October's playful child
And I crept the fortress of their lit scene
Flickering candlelight and tambourine

All souls gathered round a high bonfire
They offered flowers kin the May month green
For the cool mist of the changing season
Left the briar thick but the garden lean
Petals showered down from the tambourine

Coven choir sang with arousing voices
For to the depth and all the woods between
I was so captured with rustic beauty
Nearly forgetting the eve, Halloween
A haunting sound fell from the tambourine

Dusky dance and images illusion
Filled my mind but was loving gift to glean
Starry candles illuminated peace
All Hallows stirred shadows, casting forth serene
Chanting, chanting the world and blessed be

(c) Kay Irvin