and true love drew a blinding triangle.
the first burn was hollow parallels
desiring scent. when nothing wood was new.
dustbody takes no refuge from a wave.

our battle comes in tangled limbs of loss.
pink button of a clove, warm feet of sandalwood.
the trust we nuzzle into his jugular.
heartsick, i beat myself for thirty years.

the last bird landing on his sea of troubles.
my stranded sail gets nailed at drowning depth,
lust-jumbled junk under a yellow sun.
i touch my hope to his bronze-burnished skin.

i am the phantom i have always been.
and true love draws a binding triangle.


//

do you come beside

(i am) he says

the battle

παρεγένου μέν
 δ ὅς
τῇ μάχῃ

//

i come beside (her)

παρεγενόμην

// 153β