NIGHT SEQUENCE:  II

Susan Smith Nash

 

 

The night made indelible tracks

across strained sinews, my heart –

 

and you, your voice

like a map of the constellations

in an undiscovered corner

of our mutual despair

 

I held your hands

as time dissolved

 

humanity creaking and groaning

the floors unswept, curtains in shreds

 

I feel the hot breath of regret,

your heart beating with mine;

a walk we take together

on the brink of salvation and oblivion –

 

the sound of water splashing

a knee sinking into earth.