THE NOW OF THEN

that summer was
locked away in another century
as if it could never die

it lived on and on
despite other times
rusting about it

he could feel
the sun of that time
burn his skin

a breeze blew
as if it would
blow forever

there was no
stopping this time
time that owned itself

living independently
of the world
obeying its own laws

more realer
than the reality
it had escaped from

he was living it
again and again
like the first time

the sun painting
freckles across
the bridge of her nose

sheltering her eyes
from the too hot sun
the tomorrow to come

always there
will be
only this now

he had stolen
from the universe
refusing to give it back

both lost
in a kiss
oblivious to all else

he laid the flowers
on her grave
turned away

still seeing her
as he saw her
way back then

she lost
in the forever
of his mind