I am in love

with the life that pours out of every slam poets' lips
the life that flips out from all my books pages
the life that pounds out of a good rock record
the life that flows in a contemporary dance folding with the music

the life you breathe into my lips
the life from the warmth of every hand
shoulder
and arm
stuck in awkward hugs
and interlocks.

I am in love with the life

lost

when the heart breaks
when the magical tree is cut down
when childhood fades
when the loved one dies
or lives
away.

I am in love with the life
stolen
by anger from hurt
by difference
       ...in names for the same God
          
                       ...in color from the same box of crayons
                
  ...in definitions from the same thesaurus
                      
                                                       ...in beliefs from misunderstandings.

I am in love with the life
we breathe
we swallow
we cry

right now.