You are a far cry from me
When I long to see your face close to mine,
Your expression tense with tender emotion.
To tell me without even a fraction of doubt
That this is our moment wherein
I can come so much closer to you.

In wide-eyed pain
You have looked at me,
And I wondered what is beyond
The little bit you show.

What is behind
The misty curtain
That screens you off
To another world?
So beautiful in the half-light
Of a slow-burning candle.

In the dark where you lie
I can scarcely see
Your fine features,
You are a mystery.

In sleep you do not smile or scowl,
And I am careful to wake you
Lest I should intrude
Upon your peace.
Lest you should change
And be not what I behold.

I have small fears
That allow me not to
Come to you as I want,
When you turn away.

O fear, rush on! Rush on,
That I might have the courage
To touch your being
And reach your heart.