Upon my bed at night
I sought him whom my soul loves,
I sought him but found him not,
I called him, but he gave no answer.
Song of Solomon 3:1 NRSV

Midnight has long passed
When I awake and
Reach for you,
Only to be met with
Empty space.
Were you not just there,
Your body wrapped
Around me,
Your arms holding me
With steely, gentle strength?
Your breath warm
Against my ear?
Had we not spent the evening
Loving, and
Sharing ourselves
In every intimate way?
I believe I still feel you
Beside, above, and
Within me,
I breath in your musky scent
And feel again
Its aphrodisiac power.
Yet when I
Switch on the lamp
I find no sign of you,
No disturbed sheets,
No imprint on the pillow,
To prove you were ever
Here.

c. 2024