Freshly
fallen rain hangs heavy
in the salted sea-side mists
that cling to us like greedy children.
Our arms
interlocked, huddled close
until we are sharing breath, invading
each other without intruding.
Her beautiful
face, lit by a smile
that fades quickly in the burst
of lightning streaking across the sky,
illuminating the deepening darkness,
sending the shadows scurrying.
A pale hand
tightens on my arm,
feigning fear as thunder explodes,
hiding the repercussion as fate
bares her teeth in a wicked grin.
She screams in terror, grasping at me,
falling against me, into my waiting arms.
I watch
the flower bloom, the strange
rose
spreading its gory petals over the pale
cream silk at her breast. Vivid
liquid life pouring over my steady hands.
Innocent
eyes look to me, for just a moment,
knowing everything. Tears glistening in her eyes,
sparkling in the bright flicker and bang
of yellowed lightning and its dance partner.
I cradle
her in my arms, imprinting
this moment on my soul forever,
keeping her like this, perfect and pure.
