Q17. Patio Fence

Acrylic on canvas, featured in the artist’s book “Dark Corners” to accompany this poem:

Dark Corners

I have always been fascinated with darkness true I once found it frightening but you will find in time that I am so so brave furthermore the darkness speaks to me
in ways I still struggle to understand
you are safe here you are in danger
you are hunter
you are prey
Having been slinking across town preying in a way seeing who will play
and pull me into a dark corner
your secrets are safe here
I thrive in this space
the crevice of intimacy in conversation
that walks the line between confessions and flirtation this game of words I love to play
with advantages gained in eye contact
and a brush of fingers
balancing risk
to reward
to resignation
another dark corner
another prey
another elaborate match of words passions twisting in the sheets of language as our tongues battle as lovers
for who will be on top
my lover, my hunter
I fall unsuspecting prey
this match of wit was a surprise
here's hoping you stay
let the darkness of this corner
speak to you the way it speaks to me
let my velvet cadence tempt you
please don't be afraid
this sparring goes for hours
the ending is in sight
but the comfort if my dark corner is lost once touched by daylight