
‘Hands On Heart’ Photoshopped Photo: WHB – Sep., 2017
PALPITATIONS
When palpitations
of the heart
start
that sudden
gulp
that gasp for air
is it love
or lust
or life itself
forcing me to face
my future
that unwonted throb
unwanted gasp
those ensuing reverberations
erupted flutterings
flip-floppings
before I am returned
to that steady beat
that controlled thump
which promises
certitude
My heart
that part
of me
held dear
so near
yet no longer
steady
nor ready
to yearn
to long for
and to desire
to allow free reign
to emotion
now caution
rules
demands attention
ectopic beating
atrial contraction
call it whatever
heart-hiccups
love-stutters
heebie-jeebies
screaming habdabs
all one
palpitations
once a passion
now a symptom
a broken heart
is not
just love forgone
it is
a life in peril