The Second Time

Lying on your side,
your back to me,
I could see the straight line
of your shoulders
and your long black hair.

When I reached out to touch you,
your tanned shoulder was warm
and solid to my touch;

when my arms slowly slid around you,
drawing me closer to you,
the feel of your skin on mine,
I rested my head on your arm,
then rested my eyes.



When my eyes next open,
I am here
alone;

no longer caught in that
still, timeless moment with you.



Oh Goddess,
let me close these eyes once more -
take me away to timelessness -

and let them never open
ever again.