Carnival Evening

In a cold, barren forest
A full moon outlines the trees as towering wraiths
Whose blackened arms thrust melancholy towards the sky
As if in lament.

I’ve dressed us in carnival clothing
Like children at play –
Ridiculous, really, for my unfestive forest
Nonetheless we waltz alone
To an imaginary song,
Laughing as if our solitary dance
Is such a grand affair.

I clutch your arm as if you are truly mine,
As if I truly have a right to you.
I imagine that we shine
Even without the moon.
We shine with warmth, love –
Anything I want.

But always,
A light from a lamp post is lit to illuminate
A sinister, leering face
Peering from the hut where the world placed you.
And always, always
It spoils everything.