wrapped beneath the sheets
two timeless lovers one makes
a simple request
hold me just a minute more
before life’s routines begin
relationships
round midnight…
sometimes love’s counting
night breaths or feeling for pulse
to waylay death’s fear
slurs…
what your mind’s eye sees
has nothing to do with me
call me by my name
recognition…
unannounced
i stopped by
aunt bea’s
to
complain
about
not being
appreciated
at
work
before
even saying
hello
i began
my
diatribe
but
she stopped me
and
with
a blank look
on
her face
asked
who are you
thinking
she might be having
a memory issue
i said
i’m your nephew
don’t you remember
she said
of course
i
know
who
you are
but
i
wanted you
to feel the emotion
of
being
forgotten
since
at
work
they’ll
barely recall
you
were ever there
once
you leave
but
only family
real family
those defined
by
a loving relationship
not
necessarily by blood
will hold you
in their hearts
until
their hearts
cease to be
4:27…
ghosts
of
christmas past
lovers
and
liars
friends
and
friendly foes
passion’s promises
dreams
denied
present spirits
life’s laughter
and
love’s warmth
hobbling joints
vanishing friends
legions of letters
on
a crippled world
death’s mute phantom
empty pages
and
silence
4:30
on the eve of christmas…
holidays
hard days
cold winds
frost the windows
and
chill
even
the youngest bones
there’ll be no
manger
wise men
or
gifts
but
the lights
wink
at
the children
through
the iced portals
of
this home
of
theirs
parked
on
broad street
the problem with love…
when you are in love
time loses all perspective
tears and laughter years
do not alter the journey
nor prevent that final kiss
