Dark Side

On its label
the honey was called
"Island of Moon".
I found it up on the second shelf
near the back,
to sweeten my cup of hot tea,
a beverage I only drink when I'm feeling
under the weather.
It was a much deeper amber than the usual
clover or orange blossom kinds I normally choose.
It's hue was deeper than scotch whiskey
drawn from an old barrel.
The taste, the look, the smell, and especially the name
made me think of the dark side
that space of obscurity
where I keep all my jagged thoughts hidden
as one who turns her face away from the sun
like the button-black centers of blood-red poppies
when they close themselves up at night.

Anne Bryant-Hamon 10.10.10