You dare what the wind dares on its massive surge
As if burrowing the earth’s belly behind a red curtain
you penetrate the layers of lure and seduction
your companions: nights and winter wine
***
You never experienced such tastes before
Has the heart ever tasted what it tastes
of restlessness
of burden
and vigilance
Have you ever had what you had of her presence
blue
red
blooming
Surely you dare what the wind dares on its massive surge
yielding to immense sorrow and despair
Have you endured before what you endure this day
tracing the arch of her chest
through the shadow
to her thighs
from hill to plains to mountain to falls
from valley to river to sea to gorges
as though lover’s desires crash at nothing save rocks
knocking, knocking at the mute walls
***
They sealed her behind doors that bar
lovers
poets
praise singers
In time of grief death may visit uncalled
Do you run or die of grief at her door?
***
Do you run or die?
As though she favors you with death
that makes the wind the trees rivers and rain
(not people, radios or newspapers)
cry over you
Does he cry over you who cries over money?
who cries over fortune?
who cries over his victims?
his hideous face smiling under his lamenting mask
***
Surely only lovers fear for their hearts
they dare passion that turns vigor into waste
the beloved in her silence offers no relief
the beloved offers no relief
Do you run or die when you are the youngest?
Do you run or die when you are not the last?
Do you run or die?