Abstract Remedy

Strawberry shapes worn on vinyl sleeve,
fuel for curiosity and cautious pursuit.
Each sun sunk another tally to grieve-
She mourns battles lost with diffident voice.

Devout indiscretion alienates the artist.
Scrawled on napkin, notebook or bathroom stall,
Each new rotation ignites nostalgia or wonder.
Through verse she wears elaborate disguise.

Ripe flames lick at time-honoured wounds
All but the present are doused in her name.
Sedated by flickering candle and caress of strings
but the frenzy never burnt quite as tender again.