| Part One |
| before
dawn from beneath bird wings the first chirp beside me the bed cold |
| falling
asleep in the chair the midnight cold seeping through the eyes of dreaming |
| summer lightning every time i wake the reaching out from dreaming |
| incoming
tide ripples the width of river i remember the touch of your hand gentle on the nape of my neck |
| the storm
over a sharp new moon pierces black sky the scent of your breath clings to my pillow |
| hypnotic
lapping of a flat surf lulls me into believing the sea's depth is harmless as once your love also was |
| purple
droppings under the mulberry tree damp in morning dew my hand on your back suddenly hot |
| dipping
towards pond's surface reflection welcome swallow flits away as i from my own mirrored image |
| your
silent anger festering in summer heat flattens my joyous spirits as it does the ears of our cautious cat |
| lingering
on jetty's ancient woodplanks sun-warmed memories timber smooth where my father fished |
| at dawn
potted plants bend towards each other i would lean into your light if only you would make the offer |
| the sharp
look in your eyes — turning sunlight on windows catches my breath |
| unknown to
her outside the closed door i timidly stand listening to flute notes borne on her gentle breath |
| the
secret's out magicians use rabbits because they freeze in fright as do i holding your steady brown gaze |
| simplest
of pleasures coming home to warm earth when i no longer feel the sun's caress above it will filter through below |