Void

she shuffled forward ever so carefully on the cliff’s edge
was surprised to see a verdant valley below
instead of the tumultuous chasm she felt brewing
if she but lifted her hands she might touch the fluffy bottom of the swollen clouds
the jagged rock under her toes reminded her where she belonged

she stood on that edge until the sun’s rays cut the sky like fresh scars
flickering lights became stars in the inky dome above

finally the tears came
she could not form words

twinkling dreams dashed
bubbly hopes demolished
tender heart destroyed
what was left but to carry on in her brittle shell
devoid of texture, taste
only vaguely recalling warmth
would her colors ever return
or had the betrayers taken her spark when they took all else she had to give