A Little Alliteration
Can written words have that tremor
which betrays a burdened heart?
Does the sound of syllables unspoken
conjure that slight shudder
of conflicting needs
played out when lovers touch?
How so when every phrase cries out
against its limit
words shaded in their meanings
war against the rote of script
prick the gait of rhythm
as it stumbles to proceed
from one word to the next
How, do all this
and cry above and betwixt it all
of sorrows and joys in unequal measures
There are endless variations
on a words resolve
Understanding carefully recalls
syllables mispoken and forgives
the errant phrase to mend the broken
words and hearts and deeds
that alliterate
the shaking of a shoulder bare
hands that cradle head to breast
love that gives anothers need
words to grant the hearts rest
Copyright 06/26/98 Unpublished Works William M. Shannon