By Jeanmarie
Date: 15 September 1998

One Day At A Time

ONE DAY AT A TIME

I've observed you from afar, yet
close at hand, for some time now.
The intervals between sunrise and sunset
blurred in my clouded mind's eye
like watercolors on a too-wet canvas.
An unknown quantity of friendly vouyerisms.
I watch as you sit outside in the languid
rays of the early summer sunshine,
hear the metal "click" of a lighter,
smell pungent cigarette smoke,
listen to you inhale deeply, then exhale.
Always careful to maintain
a safe distance, arm's length,
choosing carefully-orchestrated words,
not wanting to reveal too much,
on the other hand, needing to
make everything known at once.
Seeking only a connection, a communion of souls.
Behind your beautiful eyes and quick smile
lurks a profound maturity and exquisite sadness
which betrays the youthfulness of
your personal Earthtime calendar.
With trepidation I move closer
take a long, concentrated look...
Surprised to see a mirror image of
my own tormented soul reflected
in the cerulean windows of your eyes.
I reach out, tentatively at first, to
touch your warm skin before
taking your hand completely in mine.
My heart, having turned to dark
ash long ago, now smolders once again, 
gentle, velvet heat igniting, burning
deep within its four chambers.
No words are necessary to
convey feelings, just as
there are no words which
could serve as proper explanation.
I want to take you in my arms,
and hold you there, tightly
surrounded, enrapt in security.
To ease the pain which
weighs heavily on your mind...
somehow, somewhere, someday,
make you forgive, but never forget.
To release you, to make you whole.