Pastels

Pastels….
An apology,
For being,
For having been….
Almost….
Paling.

Paling….
Nightdress, Knickers,
Washed out, drained;
Pegged; hanging on….
Almost….
Biting.

Biting….
Birth pains; naked.
Lungs explode;
In pastels wrapped….
Almost….
Slipping.

Slipping….
Out of….into
Life’s sweet paint
On babe-blue mist….
Almost….
Bowing.

Bowing….
Life’s orange noon;
It’s sunset red;
It’s brights, inbetween….
Almost….
Fading.

Fading….
Trapped by Winter,
The flags of life,
Hanging on; pegged….
Almost….
PASTELS.