THE NECTAR AND THE POISON

Much has changed since last we made love;

Several dragons I have slain,

Though others, merely put to sleep.

How I long to again hold you in my arms,

If not for the fear of rewakening them.

No, I'm not blaming you or I;

It's only the poison we became together

That keeps me from your lips,

Though too, there was nectar.

Still it teases my mind’s tongue,

Giving vision to this Tarot pen.

Much has changed since last we made love,

Though too much more remains the same,

And no matter which way we mix the ingredients,

Nectar to poison again and again;

In the process …creating new dragons.

© 1991 Chris Sorrenti

Author's Note: One of the few poems inspired by the breakup of my marriage, years after the fact; a residual echo of remorse if you will for the good that once was, and for what can never be changed. A peculiar poem in that when previously shared, either provoked intense dislike or a strong positive reaction. Regardless, it remains one of my personal favorites, perhaps as it's one of the few remaining links to a special time in my life, of learning and growth, finding myself, and that silver lining amid the pain of divorce.