were left mine
to give
a place on your skin
one light
when the dark
gathers ’round
were time emptied mercy
as passing into
til only now faintly
my call

were ne’er mine
to barter
yet still might I plea
one selfish restraint
to forgive
counted not twice
the days in between
or burdened my tongue
with your name

had I but choices
so few to regard
were come of my will
not regret
direction decided by moments
so dear
grace for the journey
enough

were stars left
for wishing
would cleave from the black
the last –
else forever be gone
and I without measure
or means to recall
love never spoken
the same

regarding the rest
of somewhere I know
lifetimes are weighted and still
verses revised
shall sit you the night –
a memory of love
to remain

. . .