Dark Blossoms

Originally posted August 15, 2024

We blossom in darkness, 
love’s most ancient light, 
opening and unfolding our 
separate selves, 
awash in shadows cast 
by moonlight through 
a stand of trees outside your 
bedroom window
 
Our bodies ripen with a touch, 
wandering kisses flick salt 
out of dry sweat, lips brush lips, 
tongue finds tongue—there is a 
mouth for every inch of skin, 
and slowly we become bridges 
across every river of loneliness, 
connecting separate sorrows 
in a union consecrated with sweat 
and musk.
 
No one talks of happy endings or of 
saving something for tomorrow.
There is only this night, colored by 
longing and moonlight.
 
I was not the first to read the map of 
your body, confusing directions with 
promises, but I have stayed the longest.
 
And each time I return, I feel like a 
pilgrim who has traveled beyond 
the crossroads of longing and desire 
to reach a promised land.

Anoint me with the healing waters 
of your love, and I will bow down to 
you and gently kiss the pearl of great 
price that I have sorely missed.