Sometimes I lie on that rug
Or in green grass
And inhale,
Inhale back to childhood days;
Some deep remembered scent
also  found
at the bottom of a sand bucket
Or in a cup of sweet tea on a cold autumn afternoon, outside.
At this time of year
I find myself being carried
By saudade
To nutcrackers and coloured lights
And the scent of cello tape and fresh paint.
Every tear wept happily
With memories of you.

Today I thought
How far away
Long summer days were met.
And June’s sweet blush in contrast to
This morning could not get.
I know I could be maudlin
If I think too much on this,
Hide away midwinter blues
And stew in summer’s kiss.
But I won’t pine for darling buds,
Fruit that’s yet to ripen -
No, I shall think on pleasant sleep
And tales we’ve not yet written.

Before I leave the corridor
I note the number on your door
Then perform my escape
Knowing it’s all for the rescue.
If I return it will be
To hear the music of the lover
To dance to one song
Then leave before it’s over.
I don’t want to brood
About what it was.
That was the time
I forgot how to work
And in the mornings
I’d make promises
We both knew would
come to nothing.
I didn’t ask though.
Except I did
And you excused
My codate mess
When you tripped over
The remnants
That you forged.
The voices told me to
Shake you off
Like the cluttering monsters.
But I run from them too.
You never know.
Next time
I might dance all
The way to the end.

..
Rust makes weak old parts
until they crack in caustic riot.
Then slow we slough
through finite term
searching for some quiet.
Then settle in a nice safe box
to wait this whole thing out
A smile for every grateful year
prostrate to our diet.

I see you
In some flickering byzantine light.
You smile without pretence
And your tesserae image
Eclipses the others
Inspiring a sense of wonder.

If the light should cease
And you to please
Hold out your hand to me
For too much life have I, my love
My strength would I share with thee.

Then shall I sleep
With dried tears on my cheek
Cradled in memories
And set confidences.

And I shall not weep
Or strain to eat
But shall find comfort
In dreams and alliances.