Deeply, Madly, Eternally

—Anonymous Photos

DEEPLY, MADLY, ETERNALLY

handcuffs, a soft fabric tie
light on or off, eyes open or closed
masked like a monster, sure to excite
pink, white, red, black lace
limbs and faces like roses
each image embraced

relax, refresh, rejuvenate
even old, ugly, alone
women, men
seek solace in seclusion
create pleasure in the mind
just a game, not real
give themselves needed release
breathe more deeply, sleep
wake feeling stronger

yet if one were to lift
the corners of their fantasy worlds
expose empty chests, hearts cut out
see souls lost in reverie
remembering a beloved face
a kiss shared, decades ago
sorrow and loss buried, never healed

SEPARATION

cold drops begin to fall
wetting my hair, sandaled feet
gray sky that promised this all day
delivers, as night approaches
though work remains

square my shoulders, trudge down the path
heft baskets of folded clothes, bring them back
disproportionately grateful for
yellow lamplight, dry floor
walls, rug, warmth, food

resume my careful, solitary life
hope to somehow understand
or that you will change your mind

for one night, we touched
your lips burned into me
released my love—
but then, you pulled away

vulnerable

so sensitive
soft, lucent, coral, moist
countless nerve endings

long for your lips
your fingers moist, slow
your tongue

you are he, I she—we are one
your half, I complete
fit exactly, undeniably

yet we resist, run
knowing the other
but still unfolding our love 

SECRET

I am the one who loves you
more than anyone
shhh--keep it to my self
let it feed me
when work dries up
when I am too tired, worried, sad
to fight on

body withers, dries
easy to step out of time
out of body and hold you
remind you
I love you
more than anyone
forever

Today's LittleNip:

Work like you need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody's watching.

—Satchel Paige

________________________

—Medusa, with many thanks to Ann Wehrman for helping us celebrate Valentine's in September with today’s love poetry in the Kitchen!

Celebrate the poetry of love!

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