Your hand in mine, twiddling
the silver around my right
ring finger. The point
of the heart faced out,
in hope you'd turn it
toward my wrist. Your mouth
brushes mine. You take it off,
examine the stamp - "925."
Slide it back on, the crown faced up,
the hands mirror ours,
clasped
around my heart. I wonder
if my father knew
what it would mean to me
when he passed it on.
I wonder if he knew
I'd fall for a boy
and this ring would twist my mind in folds,
you're a menace, a silversmith
you solder my mouth shut.

Blood rushing in my ears,
All my fears are
Gone.
Gone in an instant of ecstatic grief
A relief
That can come to me only from you.
You with your arms around me and your charms surrounding,
Turned all the way
On.
On the wings of a kiss
That drastic bliss,
I'm finally
Gone.

Do not mistake my kneeling for weakness,
nor assume strength when I stand.
For when I kneel it is a gift,
and I rise at his command.