Kind of Like Stars
Kind of like stars – only the ancient light of them remains
Not yesterday’s anger either, just the sticky path of our tears
What was it we argued about that now I can’t recall
Less the chores of our lives than slights that pierce our flesh
And make me bend as if holding my ribs will heal the pain
Kind of like rainbows – name their colors but never catch them
Not the wind either, just the toppled twigs, the skittering leaves
How did I not see you shiver, the confusion in your eyes
Why did you fail to ease the ache of my heart, my soul
Though one part of me is as tender as all parts of you
Kind of like water – without shape of its own, only a wild surge
Not the thirst for assent either, just the hungry plea that you see me
Will you call my name, touch my hand? I cannot swallow
Still we yearn to press beyond what we can’t hold in our palms
Love and acceptance, memory and future, all of all between
Kind of like fragrance – bereft of corpus, only a scent we inhale
Not the spices we measure either, just the smell of you against me
Even if you leave, I will still feel your breath on my cheek
Yet I run to gather flowers and seeds, as if they will thrive
You will always be a living presence in my life, today, tomorrow
Just a thought 56
Painting, Lovers, 1928, by Felix Nussbaum, courtesy Wikimedia Commons