Anima VIII

It has been a rough nine months

since you put your arms about me from behind
in greeting, on a cold night.

We didn't know each other then,
not like now, the complete histories,
topologies & choreographies spun out of our lives.
That was later.

You cauterized my heart, unknowingly,
left a small spark smoldering,
to later flare.

Now, nine months from a simple gesture,
I have set free that weight, unconsummated.
Back in the cold night but warmed,
I have been allowed
to keep for myself what I would have given
had you accepted.