Call Me Never

call me never, on any day
your lips taste criticism

in my ears, your words
whip the backs of whining dogs

commit to silent waters
the hand that disturbs the night
the pain sounding down the hall
the personal brutality of blame

then I will dream the morning sun
shines those darkened places
where ambush shame resides

to warm the cold of judgment
and illuminate the peace

Randy Hurst