*

Instead

by Scott Kurtz

Enveloped in your warmth and your scent, I kiss you.
But I kiss the air.
You are so much more substantial than air,
With its discontent molecules flitting about, and
I wish you were here ... instead of air.

Eardrums in ecstasy, I hear your voice, and see your mouth move
With each syllable: "I-love-you."
But I hear nothing, simply a letter I have inhaled;
Your words in my head, and your breath in my lungs;
I wish you were here ... instead of words.

Returning your liquid gaze, I fall into you.
Your gravity swallows with contented swirls of blue and green.
But it is black, and a dream.
On the floor, in the dark-full of tears,
I wish you were here ... instead of tears.