Poem: On Receiving A Tarot Warning of You

On Receiving a Tarot Warning of You
By Michelle Garren-Flye

Which numbers more, the chirp of crickets
or the sparkle of the stars?

Today you promise me the world
but it’s a pack of cards.
Dance! Let your wings unfurl
before we all fall down.

Oh, will the judgment be enough
or leave us standing naked and cold in our own graves
surrounded by the flood?
Rejoice in new beginnings and your past will reward you.

I fear the dark, glowering man on the throne,
his staff held casually, bruisingly on a booted leg.
When will he leave me, let me be alone?
Can I knock the crown from his head?

I search for the promised love,
bare my soul and body before Cupid’s embrace,
but romance still seems far away
and likely to avoid me—or lay me low.

Death’s scythe continues its sweep,
cutting back excessive joy of life,
Distant sunset blood does creep
and brings along fear of living only in strife.

Only promise me the song of the stars,
and pour out your life to the babbling river. Photo and Poem Copyright 2024 Michelle Garren-Flye