LULLABY



In the circle of my arm
and my softly anxious voice
let me keep you safe from harm,
night-time of your present choice.

Powerlessness was all my power
drawn from void where I was lost.
Possessed for now, I search no further,
consoled by lineaments of trust.

I will pretend you haven’t lied.
I will pretend to keep my vows.
Like broken Eros crucified
bound to this for these few hours.

And I keep vigil for those sighs
in sleep, as if they were enough,
the kisses that are also lies,

in sweet facsimile of love.

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