i love a dead man.
i love the memory of his smell
his visage in my soul
his voice in my heart.
God's fingerprints on him
are appearing on me.
his heart is so large
and unafraid;
times my weeping is all
that can give voice or place
to venerate him --the man i love
so completely, absolutely
blindly --no second thoughts
no moment's hesitation.

i am in love with a dead man
he counts my every sigh
collects my every tear
so very many tears.
his fingerprints are on my soul
in my spirit
breaking my heart anew.

i love a dead man who
despised his wealth
just to be with me
paid my bail
owns my bond
governs the heat in my passion
the fury in my heart.
times i fall
he lies beside me
whispers in that cold ear of mine
survival returns, endurance.
his offered hand always
the gift i seek.

i love a dead man.
nights i see him in the stars
days he's in another's laughter
every turn of my breath
there he is; he just is.
a chuckle in the swan's tango
over the water's skin;
fire in my heart, passion
bursting -- for a dead man.

i love a dead man
and wail my restless plea
come play with me awhile
take me home
our home;
where death bodes no more
and wild dew
honeys every rank and
rent place within, and
no tears spike our largesse.

i love a dead man.
He lives in me.

©1998