Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
The world is revelating now
In a hostile sphere of silence.
Lights in glowing states of brilliance
Cast shadows in the void.
A rhythm slowly fades away
A murmur gently dies.
Cascading waves, falling, break
Caressing shores of silk.
Clouds of pristine pure float by
Sighs wail through the steppes.
Stars of red find deep blue skies
Steeped in swept horizons.
Untouched, unseen, unheard, unsung.
Undone.
1981
Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
Where have you gone
And why?
Did you leave
Or did I?
What was said
Is no more.
What was done
Is forgotten.
Not meant
Not heard
Not remembered
Simply not.
A new world is ours
Unknown, unexplored
Unencumbered by the other.
Immeasurably apart.
Yours has grown
From the breakup of mine.
Yours took, or mine gave.
Inevitable physics.
And so we drift
Infinitely outward.
Perhaps all this only
To meet again.
When time is no more.
1998
Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
You were in my surrounding midnight.
Deep blue — close, warm, comforting.
You were in the sea that bathed me
With warm, frothy, embracing waves.
You were in the silky sand that washed my feet
Swirling and sighing in the early morning.
You were in the leaves that gently floated
Around me, brushing me softly in mid-air glide.
You were in each flake of silent snow
Haunting me with its transient beauty.
You were in the falling evening mist
Hiding me in safe oblivion.
You were in the cool, moist forest fragrance
Fulfilling my impatient longings.
You were in the music of the burbling creek
Sweetly soothing all my fears.
You were in the cry of the whippoorwill
Your spirit sadly calling out for my soul.
You were in everything I love
Now nothing is left of me.
1997
Nothing makes me soar like a full October moon.
Not even city lights can diminish her rising glory.
She illuminates the faint wisps of clouds that try to veil her face.
Powerless, they reflect back her glow until she fills the sky.
It’s a perfect night for spirits. Ghosts. Mysteries.
Erotic love.
Soul-bending erotic love.
Shivering naked on the cool, damp earth.
Sharply outlined in her dispassionate white rays.
Shadowy under the mischievously moving wisps.
Crying out to her face.
Bewitched.
Enchant me again.
While our lady keeps watch.
And spirits roam, seeking a place to lie.
Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
Here are no trees
No birds
No creatures
No plants
No thing.
Here are no sights
No smells
No tastes
No sounds
Nothing.
Life or death?
Or somewhere between
the beginning and the end.
The place that breathes, eats, sleeps, and dreams
and does not live or die.
The center of sensation
where should dwell
love, joy, hope, desire
Devoid. Deserted.
Unseen
Unheard
Unfelt
Unfeeling
Somewhere between.
2007
A mist covers the shore like a lover covers his prey.
Me
Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
Through your eyes
Shines
The madness
Of your heart.
Cold day.
Cold wind.
Cold sky.
Cold heart.
Copyright © Diane L. Schirf
2002