Before we knew, we were a hymn that springs forth
unbidden when joy unexpected infuses body and spirit
and must be expressed,

like a smile that starts deep in the bone and spreads
up through vessels until it can be felt in the skin
as slightest tingle.

We thirsted, longed to quench desire, were in love but
did not sin. Two who passed the test, we flowed on through
a river of days

watered by tears. On an ocean of nights I rocked and
wondered did your heart ever ache this way. I watched
flame that would not die.

Unwavering from first Love, we shook but did not fall.
A pleasing aroma rose from blue-white flames; unanticipated
love frightened us both.

Flickering hope led me to fly straightaway into flame
on a wing and prayer that we might emerge from refining fire
two moths immortal.

You saw me dying to be born again and killed the idea…
wanting to prove superiority, be the only one to survive
seemingly unscathed?

You became a Mothman, snuffed me out; then, as if
that were not enough, you doused with ice-water disdain
ashes that remained.

Black-speckled water sucked up through straw of your need
to vanquish me, I am a drained pool of muck, like
so many dead flies

in the cup of cold water you refused to share with me
anymore. Why could you not let me live or let me die?
Every day I cry

but know these salty tears fall – as much for a world
where people fail to recognize honest love as I
cry for you or me.