In golden flashes we see beauty
the rich veneer beguiles the eye
a platter of glinting opulence
bright light draws us to observe
disturbance ripples the surface
each expanding arc of liquid dance
is a seduction that we cannot resist
tension of the surface mirrors fantasy
even when the clouds dim illumination
and gold turns to muddied brown
we wish that memory of illusion
to be the reality and the comfort we seek
in the depth there is a different truth
disappointment deep enough to drown and kill.
Ciaran Burke
