Tempered

Tempered

desire is tempered by time
or flamed by longing

wanting
to touch the corners of your smile
to feel the breath of your sigh
to watch the sparkle of your eyes
to hear the murmur of your voice

telling
the lies that bind you
the truth that holds you
the passion that drives you
the pain that cuts you

knowing
your desires unexpressed
your hopes unspoken
your darkness unmasked
your soul unveiled

flamed by longing
desire is not tempered by time

september 29, 1996