Hearts on Fire…or How to Make Something Beautiful with Colored Markers

I decided to try an on-the-spot rewrite of an older poem. Point is: the longer amount of time you stay away from a written piece (and I guess this can apply to most forms of art), the more constructive editing you’ll be able to accomplish. And today, you not only have the opportunity to read my poetry, but in this particular post you’ve been honored with my lovely art skills as well (hold for applause/laughter).

Sometimes
by Alexa L., written May, 21, 2003*

Sometimes I hope
you know
that we could be together
or will you go out with me?
or can’t we just be friends?
That’s what you say to me.
But do you mean it?
Every word.
Every breath taken.
Do you mean any of it?
I listen.
I listen with my eyes,
taking in you.
Your face.
Your expression.
But does it mean anything?
Is it all a lie?

Sometimes I wish
you know
that you were closer to me
or will you kiss me?
or will you love me?
That’s what you say to me.
But do you want it?
Every touch.
Every heartbreak.
But do you want it?
I ask.
You say you want it all.
The love.
The moments.
But do you really want it?
Are you willing to give in?

Sometimes I hope
you know
that it was easier
or will you hurt me?
or will you always be there?
That’s what you say to me.
But do you want to risk it?
You made a promise.
You promised yourself.
You promised me.
You promised your heart.
But are you willing to risk it?
Are you willing to take that chance?
on me?

*I made minor capitalization and stylistic edits.

This is my on-the-spot, written-close-to-seven-years-later version of Sometimes:

Sometimes
by Alexa L., written today (July 21, 2010)

Sometimes,
you know,
my heart catches fire,
glows with flames of blue,
green.

Hey, hi, how are you?
as fire licks my tongue,
my mouth an ashtray,
gray,
white,
my heart in ash.

Sometimes,
you know,
my heart catches fire.
Sometimes,
you know,
it burns. 

Note: I have included my lame attempt at drawing a heart on fire (a huge thanks to Colleen for helping me at least make it good enough for the computadora). Plus, I love coloring.