it was not in the high E's or the low G's
stretched across the wire string,
not in the fluid movement of dance
crowding the open spaces.
not in the light laughter or
in the simple words coming from
simple mouths with simple, detached
minds. not in the meaningless touch
of the stranger next to me
or in the breath burning my neck.

we made beauty out of silence
appreciated the smooth ring of emptiness,
the raw obligation of space.
the thousand words of a glance,
the gentle touch of your eyes.
the immaculate hold of tears
and uncomfortable truths.
the shelter in sleepless nights
and the strength of withdrawals.
the few moments of being with
the one that defines your life
is the beauty I have seen.