for c.m.p.
There were stories I would have told
of sand held in hands trembling cold
of two outlined, city fountain between,
exchanging rings in a church square.
These are stories I would have told,
of then, of now, castles I don’t remember, kings I do,
of the shadow, of the days where shadow only
scrapes beneath footprint waiting soil.
There were stories I [...]
for j.j.b.
I cry, sometimes –
they ask — frown the wrong question.
tear drops out, wanders
warm touch down the cheek
leaving itself behind
cold trail.
ah the touch, the illusion — someone else?
not there, but was.
Reminder brings another.
I only try then,
rare touch, the wander –
moving, part of me.
the airflow, fan in my window
moving tiny hairs on my leg.
I will never [...]
for t.a.b.
He came, the milkpool warden
brushing snow off shoulders,
black eyes to cut water
fingertips speaking
in warm runes on my forearm.
He danced in my closed eyes
I saw kingdoms, firelit gemstones,
songs in his low words,
the prince of all wonder
I heard his secrets –
He left at moonset, unspoken,
the music fell, spent fireworks.
I ran, trail faded, trees pressed in.
I bled, [...]
for i.l.c.
Whisper wanting under thunderstorm bower, shout –
candleflame flickers in the gale wary
green outside overturned in upfalling rain
cold wet warm power at fingertips — crackling.
and there I told you light in eye
there I thought to have you know.
shudder first, spring cold wind, clouds curl,
raindrops drop drumming humming on canvas
high rage, mortal, life’s thirst with life [...]
for j.t.
There is rain tonight, that once fell
in patterned rivers starred on edge
with covered torches, silver roads,
but this cold dirt drinks it, and
I sleep tonight with a different name.
Each marble was in green mortar
mayflies bounce on chipped drywall
and the hallway filled with stereos
blaring guitars and heavy drumstick - and
I sleep tonight with a different name.
The [...]