these arms
resist the morning
when daylight breaks anew –
attempts to hold
what can’t be held –
a flame that burns
clear through
the haunted taste of promise
still lingers on these lips –
a plea surrendered
softly –
as the moon
became a kiss
evidence I waited
and all I dared concede –
drifting at the edges
dreams –
won’t let me be
these hands
are stiff with longing
for paradise they know
passage given
let me in –
a torture letting go

. . .