It took every ounce of self control
not
to kiss you...

not to take you in my arms

inhaling deep
the very scent of floral meadows
from your hair

not to hold your hands
with fingers trembling

nor to speak openly
my love...

my feelings

that I have
so often
held

here ...

close to my chest

muffling the very beating
of my heart

in such pained
poetic silence

Yet

but for one moment of weakness
I could have made known

my need

my pain

my longing to be touched

but no

for I would never risk
all we are ...

nor all we have

for one moment
of
madness.