Powers

the rumors of my magic

my spellcraft

are highly embellished 

in fact I’m not sure 

who started the idea 

that poetry is good 

for any purpose besides 

screaming into the void

as a fit of catharsis

I wish I could use a poem

to bend someone 

to my will

I wish I could send a poem

like a bright flower 

through the ether

or draw someone in

by using a poem

like a net

but that is not

how the power seems 

to flow

rather, if I am lucky

the poem can open

up the doors to the tower

of my own heart

if I have locked myself 

back in the padded

room again