Remember whispered intimations
In the time before sleep.
Having faced down the hours
Of another day of what must be done,
How long will it take before
Forgetfulness wipes the whispers away
Of well-intentioned comfort
Along with any memory
Of facades presented but to a few
Who knew the truth?
Until then, stumble onward
Facing the intimidation
Of a blank page,
Smash a soul against it.
Read the splatters left
And know time is the matter.
Time, neither too fast, nor too slow
Can it pass before realizing
Nothing really mattered,
But the kindness
In forgetfulness.
Hearing The Mermaids Sing 