Praevalet illicita

by Karen Pioquinto

Perhaps, it now comes to me,

That was the attraction of it.

The off-kiltered sense of predestiny

That circled this chipped idea

Made whole by cups of adventure

We offered each other those few fleeting times.

It is likely that the keenness

Was heightened by favors filched

From trusted confidants

And by the lightheadedness

That comes from defiance.

The likelihood made me cringe--

Now, only pinpricks remain.

What is no longer forbidden

Quickly loses its charm.