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.