fixative

i only shot photos

in black & white

color escapes my canvas;

stellar collapsed bridges

leading to sinking cites

hills brushed by a gray breeze

& dying trees.

until-

a night at the Exchange

monochrome strobe

smoke & rays

then you;

silky cardinal dress,

polished amber hair,

eyes sleepy royal, brighter than the moon.

now in my darkroom’s ruby glow,

your colors bloom, a permanent print

the hills await a hinted tint,

the grayscale world begins to show

a spectrum lurking, longing within

i see them now, i see them now-

your cardinal, amber, royal light

exposing all my endless nights.