The Distance

This distance, once the test that made me strong,
Has now become, since you arrived to see
What separation had produced in me,
My weakness. I have dedicated song
And spirit to my love. I was not wrong
To do this, but did so improvidently,
Gesturing broadly where a quiet plea
Would serve, and nurturing hope for too long.

Desire and anguish strike me as a flint,
And flames envelop me, here where I stand.
The gesture made in easy, distant print
Brought you to me. Briefly a wonderland,
My life has lost all but the barest hint
Of even that briefest touch of your hand.

Our Hearts, part 28