'tween gentle drifting and slow parting of mists
you're there
staring at me, unspeaking.
judging me
as i wilt under your condemnation.

'neath fallen tree and cloudy sky
you're there
face to the wind, unmoving.
your back to me
you don't notice the rain falling.

and still

i dream of you
the half-teasing smile on your lips
the high smooth curves of your cheeks
the mirthful laughter in your eyes
burning into my memory
a brilliance too bright to bear.

i turn away.

the clasp of your palm against mine
fingertip to fingertip
the pulse in your wrist racing
at my trembling touch

and your gaze threatening
to burst into a riot of flames
a steel sword, a satin ribbon
the moment unbroken

until

conscience snaps us back harshly
into black-and-white reality
and we fade into nothing

nothing but broken ashes
of a fire that burned too bright
too fast

[070605]