Aruna comes late to water the babies
tending to the seedlings
planted three fortnights ago
when you were by my side
now, they raise their brilliant heads
toward the indigo sky
proudly declaring their vitality and identity
as do you
reminding me of your bright hopes and aspirations
your dashing imagination
your cheerful disposition
and positive approach to the great escapade
I observe their growth with amazement
wondering what they and you will become

you feed me gently
each word a unique joy
nourishment to my open-mouthed soul
straining
like some ravenous baby bird toward its mother
-- my ear to your lips
my spirit leaps with elation
to the cerulean heavens
surging to connect with yours
overflowing with gleaming optimism
for one more day of grace between us
blessed by the goddess Venus
doting over our fate
steering us benignly into the obscure mystery
to come

awakened
stunning energy encircles me
an amorous breeze brushes against my skin
brazen crickets chirp into the wind
the house settling like some drowsy giant behind me
water seeping deep into the hungry soil
nourishing hidden roots
brash flowers inundate the nighttime air
with their demonstrative bouquet of comfort
while
cold cobalt ocean waves
reiterate to my forlorn heart
"he cares"
subduing the tempest that ravaged me
relentlessly
over the past moon's quarter
I have spent without a breath of life from you

no longer will I wrestle
and sear my sheets with longing for you
covered merely by anxious dreams
ceaselessly tormented with concern
about your condition
the spell of your voice
has calmed that red dragon
coiled deep within my center
rising from its slumber
daily
with your sustained silence

tonight
when moonrise comes
I shall sleep
a tranquil sleep
enfolded in sapphire memories and dreams
of resting securely within your loving arms