In her eyes I find her beauty

In her eyes I find her beauty
So much surrounded by loveliness, but
Outdone by the depths of emotion
In those gateways to her soul.

Transfixed, I stare
As the quietness in that busy world
Overwhelms me, drowning out
My cares, my thoughts,
I am drawn instead into dreams.

For a moment, no surely an hour
I am in another place
Not with her, but not apart
The longing may come in waves, as
In her eyes I find her beauty.

2006 - for Adrienne

I stood behind you on the street

I stood behind you on the street
And I knew you and you knew I was behind
You didn't turn around, but you knew I put
My hand on your shoulder to wrap you
In my arms you didn't want to be
You said as you turned as if you
Meant to turn all along,
"Watch how they tap their feet," and led
Me away losing my words and my dreams as they
Walked down the street.

1998 - for Jessica

Just hold my hand

Just hold my hand and
I will dream
Of tender moments that might be.
Perhaps a dream of your laugh,
Of a whispered word, you so close
I feel your soft breath on my neck.

Just hold my hand
For only a moment
I might imagine breathing so
Lightly as our lips touch,
My eyes closed but my vision filled with
So many shooting stars.

Just hold my hand
A light touch and
I can feel your warmth,
The same warmth I long to
Feel as I hold you, still and quiet.
Just hold my hand.

2007 - following New Year

And so I placed you on a pedestal

And so I placed you on a pedestal
High above me because in my mind
I was less than worthy
Beneath you standing I smiled and found myself
Proud to recognize such beauty and grace
Pleased to elevate it and revere it.

And so like all things earthly
You became something else when
Separate from the earth and me
You changed, at least in my perception.
Perhaps it was the lack of oxygen, so high had I placed you, or
Perhaps you were never what I thought you to be
Before I placed you on a pedestal.