Just as sleep bested my eyes -
  There came a looming presence -
Strange and full of mysteries -
  That alit upon my rest.

There wasn't a familiar word
  Sufficient for such trespass
So silence was the measure
  For my unexpected guest.

Time was also dissolved;
  Every thought - every breath
Was confounded by a love
  I scarcely struggled against

But the hour was growing late
  So He flew off to find a heart
More predisposed and awake
  And gave me over to the dark.

Frolic - frolic along with me
  And be as a spritely fawn
Running carelessly through the reeds
  As best we can imagine.

Let's traipse across the rivulet
  Where a log fell in the right place.
What luck that we should find it
  Like it knew of our escapade!

The shrubs have something to say;
  Small murmurs are thrown to the wind.
They catch up to us and whiz by
  But we've not a common language.

Glowing by the moonlight pallor
  Are the circles of coyote eyes
Hovering above ground - pair by pair -
  Wandering like restless sprights
Seeking for one who's lost their way.

Their banter touches my heartbeat;
  My stunted breath rolls out - and I -
I'm glad for their roving company
  Near my small chasm where I hide -
But not lost - just gone astray.

Memories are many, my heart is full
Of gladness for the love I found in you
Love that we manifested and forged true.
You are my anthem, upright and faithful.
Our love is envied by watchful lovers
And mysterious to all except us.
We steadfast run the course of love and thus
You are the sweetness that this life offered
But if the veil of death covers me first
And the air of separation grows cold
Go and seek love again, as I've foretold.
Lest remembrance cause you an aching heart
It's better that you live well and are free

Listen to the raging summer rain
Mercilessly battering the ground -
Drops bouncing like crickets all around.
What heights its descent has drained
Into the pools when it came unbound!
My head is made silent by the sound
And a sense of cleanliness will remain
After everything's been washed down
And the neighborhood streets have drowned.
Harder still it strikes the window pane -
'Tho a peculiar sun broke through a cloud.
So long as the raindrops continue to pound -
Listen to the raging summer rain!

Neither one waiting at the bend
  Nor stationed upon the hill
Was present to make offense
  Or entertain some evil will.

A breeze came, another went -
  Rattling the bursages
As a creeping serpent
  Going into hiding does.

If I died right here -
  How many lonesome clouds -
How many foraging birds
  Would pass by before I was found?

Would the beloved sun
  Care to kiss me good-bye?
Would the angels of the canyon
  Guide me on my flight?

The fold lifts - he's there in the mist
  And the world tumbles aside.
We come together and meet lips
  As Night's stars fill our eyes.

It's a world of two - two in the world.
  The rush - the fire of his touch
Enshroud us as a cocoon would
  And it's everything we want.

The fold suddenly lifts again -
  A secret knowledge now in its stead.
I face the garish morning sun
  With a smile - though twisted.

Unseen pathways ahead are full
  Of switchbacks and great ruts.
Should you get a foot entangled -
  I can help you regain your steps.

None of the routes are easy;
  There's no formidable plan.
I only know forward is the way
  So I will follow behind.

Today is not new nor bright;
  It hides a lot of middle ground.
I am the friend in your life
  That brings some peace of mind

Kentia palms catch a breeze
  And sway gently in their rows;
This verdant sanctuary
  Comforts me like the psalms.

I amble slowly between them -
  My head tapped by the fronds.
I feel the warmth of the sun;
  The fresh air fills my lungs.

A kintsugi pot rests on pebbles -
  Beautiful but defiant.
Gold sealed up the fissures -
  Reminding me of who I am.