I knew you
in the nothing –
in the breath before beginning
where living turned to shadow
to speak of other truths

I knew you
as a whisper –
fell while I was sleeping
a gathering of clouds
against the blue

I knew you
as a wishing –
a star by heaven tethered
a blanket neath a canopy
of dew

I knew you
as a night bird
come to me in slumber
a messenger of promise –
an evermore
come due

. . .