Fragments II

as the peony bud
bends on a slender
stalk
my heart's opening
awareness
bends in deference


because you're an open book
i've not read between the lines


stripped of my masks
faceless
down to the psyche's buff
ego-less
sloughed of fancies
i arise
and walk on water
and imitate the skies


with a right royal gesture
i'll disinter the cadaver of our affair
overturn the headstone
and declare
an amnesty for mortified lovers


mmlxxxvi