First Chapter

 
Each life is a story,
or a portion of one,
the text of which hides
a sub-text which is the real truth,
if only we could read it;
translated and decoded,
translated again and re-coded,
cut-up and reassembled,
never the same twice,
but always just as true,
generation after generation,
one long umbilical cord
connecting us each back
to the now-lost first chapter.

Still Wet As A Newborn

 
still wet as a newborn,
but old and worn
as a battle-scarred,
sun-faded flag.
just enough life-wisdom to know
how little can ever be known.
 
you, my love,
are my moonlight guide
and the gravity that pulls my tides.
I, love, am just your satellite,
revolving, basking in your glow.
that much I know.

Two Days Since Yesterday

 As soon as you leave, I miss you
One hour feels like two days since yesterday
Time is elastic                   
Stretching and contracting
But we can’t break it      
We can never break it   
 
The time we’re together goes so fast
One hour feels like less than a heartbeat
Time is elastic   
Stretching and contracting          
But we can’t break it
We can never break it   
 
Now it’s been two days since yesterday
I must have crossed the international dateline somewhere
It’s been two days since yesterday
I almost forget the scent of your hair      
Two days since yesterday
And I miss you
 
It’s like Einstein said       
Time is relative                 
Won’t you come and sit in my lap for a while

Strangers of Long Acquaintance

In my dream she took the seat beside me in a crowded theater

            Strangers of long acquaintance

            Surprised

            Well met

In my dream she laid her hand on my forearm

            Casually

            Without intention

            So it seemed

In my dream she told the room we’d soon be lovers

            She and I

            Jealousy surrounded

            She was known to all

In my dream the theater had no screen

            No stage

            No show

            All eyes on me and her

In my dream she draped her leg across my leg

            Head on shoulder        

            Her perfume filled my nose

            Warmth spread

In my dream her mouth pressed against mine

            Arms encircled

            Hands caressed

            Time did not exist

In my dream there was music

            Both loud and soft

            Fast and slow

            Rock and roll

In my dream her hair was dark and wavy

            Eyes bright

            Lips warm

            Skin soft

In my dream, as in all things, there was an ending

She moved away

Found another seat

Another lover from among the crowd

I awoke, alone

Her scent still in my nose

Her taste still on my lips

I walk through my work day wondering

Where is this theater? 

How do I get back there?

Where is my audience?

Where my lover?