Me-

Without a tether, 

aimless all the more

I would find myself there

in the running water, 

in a stranger’s voice

top of the head

into the throat 

through the chest

down the spine

Eyes closed,

palms open

that’s where I found you  – 

tucked away,

entirely alive

just behind my throat.

I could have cried out 

as you moved up and down. 

top of the head 

into the throat 

through the chest

down the spine

I should have cried out.

There’s so much more to mourn!

But I thought of lunch,

of a souvenir,

of how silly I must look

there among the fanny packs and folding chairs,

so much insufferable earnestness.

Eyes open, 

palms closed,

Heaven and Earth

squarely in place.

You and I –

still

lifetimes apart.