Spiral
Spiral' is dedicated to one person I know, but at the same time it stretches across the universe for all of us. With spirals at our back, what we hold in front becomes more precious. This art can be found at the Waxing Phoenix Virtual Gallery.
I don't think I know anyone today without a memory of a thousand cuts. 'Spiral' is art and poetry inspired by someone specific but dedicated to all those with cuts across their back - broken once, but healed.
This art can be found at the Waxing Phoenix Virtual Gallery.
behind him, memory of a thousand cuts.
the past clings, faded, sharp-edged,
a blur of names and noise he can’t quite outrun.
spirals at his back, a target, darts thrown.
scars spin like galaxies across his shoulders,
beautiful and brutal, scars of endurance.
he knows their shape.
each one a price paid
for speaking too loud,
loving too hard,
refusing to shrink.
ahead, not a spiral but a calculation
of something unfinished,
promises that feel almost dangerous,
hope twisted into shapes he’s never named.
he knows the path by feel alone.
he stands gentle, watchful, holding onto what is left;
love that never asked for spectacle, but became one anyway.
he knows some treasures are too precious to parade.
a plan.
he walks forward with grace cut from grit,
love that doesn’t need an audience,
faith that, this time,
he might actually get what he deserves.
he sees the end now—something earned.
broken once but healed.
some journeys can only be walked in whispers.
