a memory of

a kiss on the hand
the flicker of warmth


desire

love
and arms wrapped







squeezing a child’s














teddy bear
“kiss me”



two words spoken










with desperation
fear

passion




and tears








hot with longing
and an argument over the stars











Venus the Fraud
the Northern Star guiding to a cliff












and Orion’s stolen Cupid’s bow





aiming at the hearts












of













these









lovers who
smiling


holding





kissing


follow the Fool’s lead










and dance along the edge
of a slip of the tongue







a catch of the breath





a dive







a plunge










a jerk












an awakening
and the dream saying







“come with me













and be my love”
without impulse






perfect consideration
because after “all






the things










that we’ve been through”
the spell is cast







unbroken
LOVE












a melody

















unforgotten