I thought I heard her steps behind me,
As I walked through littered streets
Not mechanically, not in reverie, not in firm determination.

As I walked through littered streets in anticipation of a vision
Caressed by sultry winds
that sweep the silver sands into soft hills,
I looked around and saw not her
But a smooth jade implement,
A blade that opened letters
penned by lovers of a long past age.

I thought I felt her breath upon my neck,
As I counted the small diamonds on the handle
Not mechanically, not in reverie, not in firm determination.

As I counted the small ways she brings a smile to my lips
Silenced by the memories
that changed sweet sunsets into empty dawns,
I looked again and saw not her
But an antique ornament,
An egg that held her perfume in a shell
bejeweled in icy green and garnet.

I thought I brushed her fingers
As I reached to hold the treasure of a princess
Not mechanically, not in reverie, not in firm determination.

As I reached to touch the softness of her skin
that speaks of tireless embraces,
Followed by the whispers of devotion
that changed affection into love,
I looked again and saw her
Floating like a butterfly on azure wings.

W.


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