Her soft freckles bleed into my dream-filled nights;

even with closed eyes they glow like constellations, 

granting wishes to my yearnings that fade upon the sun’s rise.

Misery disguised as

                     fleeting comfort;

Is this my punishment? 

I’m sorry, dear Artemis. 

Are you the reason my constellations 

                        fall with 

                               the moon?

I thought you’d think differently if my “he” were a “she.”

Could you forgive me? 

I never meant for my promise to shatter. 

But she is too much for me to give up. 

To her, my freckles will never burn like hers do,

for she is your loyal follower. 

And though it aches,

for now it is okay. 

I will endure through this night. 

But understand, dear goddess;

I can’t promise   I’ll       stay