irascible (unfinished)

my skin disappears
when the stars grow dim
as I feel you, my kin
draw farther and farther yet away

the shadows in which I hide
are cold and hostile within
and to all that inhabit therein
life is glacial; frigid and staid

but once in a while, the sun comes out
and I’m left with no doubt as to where I stand
my shadow, once solid and resolute
is left but a mute likeness of what once had been
my presence, once genial and gentle
now but a memento of my former skin

I erupt when you draw near
sense and reason can but fail me
when I feel your touch
under skies so clear

I pull and strain, and struggle until
under the very force of my will
this structure which once held me
is at last, laid to ruin

yet, when the moon returns
with her cold and piercing gaze
drawn back to the darkening haze
I, once whole, in pieces lay

amidst the shadows, now in ruin
this non-life, dark and taciturn
and while for another touch I yearn
life is glacial; frigid and staid