how can i not crave
for crumbs, a thin slice
or a delicate bite
when in you and with you
i discover a garden of gentle hungers
in full bloom and fruit,
like when daylight comes to wash away
the dust and regret of lost chances,
give every shape and color a fresh coat
of promise so that starlight and moonlight
may find refuge for one more day?

a hunter for words yet i cannot
find the metaphors to trace and keep you,
you move, you smile, you glance
always forward forging to greet the sun,
the light on your skin tracing and caressing
your feminine form burns away
the desire and despair to be blind
from these tired and dying eyes

distant as you are from the kisses
of my eyes and my touch
i could not forget you, nor wish to
and so i will stalk the wind for scents
follow the stars and touch the earth
until the last blade of light
to savor the words, color, and shape
always emerging when i speak your name.