In this ancient stretch
of earth
our lives blink,
moments,
brief
as the lace of snow.
To have
uncovered you,
a jewel
richly buried in
shadowed soil,
there growing,
a watered fern,
a river rock
glowing soft
in the ground,
moonlight,
soul sweet,
passion-dark
magic strong;
your heart,
an amulet,
such power
I can
scarce believe.
Elements,
lapped from
your mouth,
life’s breath,
swallowed in
wonder
and borne
out as
muscle and bone.
You are
the strength
of my hands.