There is a corner of light
that illuminates your edges
well enough that I can just
make out your face.
Enough light to know you
for a moment, not longer,
and all other things
beyond it are grey.
Enough light to burn me
till I know not to touch it.
Enough grey to surround me
till I know I am part of it.

“Jump!” I say, from my spot on the cliff.
“Everyone knows there lies hope
in oblivion, where sponges and sharks
must show you how to live.
If not them, then the sea,
who’s salty blue persuasion
will melt into your skin
till you are one in the same.
I know this, dear woman,
because you told me one night
over wine and pheromones
and eye contact forever.”

I understand, my love,
if you jump for a man,
who left you alone,
in despair on this cliff.
I know the swoon as you
gaze over the edge and
stare deep into nature,
who will embrace you in death.
Yes, I understand, my love,
if you jump for another,
for soon I will be jumping
for you.

(From December 2015)