I had you
once
before I lost you in a dream
A dream that I woke up
from
where you stayed beyond my grasp

Visiting me each
night
in the bartered hours of my sleep
Holding me beyond
hope
ever cradling my fear

Lending me back to
myself
inside this borrowed joy
Until the dawn reminds
again
—I had you once

(To Laura Nyro: March, 2021)