I feel your arms entwined around me
My breathing shudders in my chest
Eyes shut, I press my face against your side,
Inhale your scent, our bodies intermingled.
I know nothing, nothing, only you
Your hair falls soft against my shoulders,
Deep imprint of your fingers on my arms.

Moisture against my closed eyelids
You reach out to cup my face.
"Tears, tears in your sweet eyes, my love?"
I shake my head. You alone can hurt me
You have the power to break my heart, my body
But you will not.

What have I to give you, to repay your gift?
My tear hardens, flowing down my cheek.
I roll it in my fingers, this jewel your people crave
The legends they tell, of demons who cry pearls,
Precious things which come from creatures of no worth.

I open my eyes, stretch out my hand to you.
Fingers open to offer what I can.
Take it. What else do I have to give?
You have given me everything, and more than all.

I give you this. In taking you, you take me.
As I take you, I give you all of me.

-- July 16, 1999