Entry, November 15, W. Benton
I knew your eyes by heart after the very first reading.
I could repeat them in detail,
remembering their elements in pearls and moonstones--
in the dark wing of a starling...and the bright morning faces of asters.
I learned your hair many ways...by the musk and visually,
by the Braille touch. I could tell which part of your body grew it:
the underhair fringing your face was sensitive like thin smoke in a draught,
between your thighs it was natural and crisp like the hearts of lettuce.
After one fitting only I could cup my hands just so--
as if they held your face.
Blindfolded, I could kiss a thousand mouths and know your lips,
I could tell time by your mouth's kisses, feel rich red colors--
taste sun-ripe fruits...and know the seasons of the year.
I took your body like a glass of sweet milk at bedtime.
And my eyelids let go at the hinges when i entered you. You were all I
and all of me was you--my senses rhymed with your senses
and our bodies made music and gave light...as all things absolute.
What is it that happened?
Now that you are gone (and why) I feel I never knew you--
though you fill me with terrible wonder...like the onset of madness.
I could repeat them in detail,
remembering their elements in pearls and moonstones--
in the dark wing of a starling...and the bright morning faces of asters.
I learned your hair many ways...by the musk and visually,
by the Braille touch. I could tell which part of your body grew it:
the underhair fringing your face was sensitive like thin smoke in a draught,
between your thighs it was natural and crisp like the hearts of lettuce.
After one fitting only I could cup my hands just so--
as if they held your face.
Blindfolded, I could kiss a thousand mouths and know your lips,
I could tell time by your mouth's kisses, feel rich red colors--
taste sun-ripe fruits...and know the seasons of the year.
I took your body like a glass of sweet milk at bedtime.
And my eyelids let go at the hinges when i entered you. You were all I
and all of me was you--my senses rhymed with your senses
and our bodies made music and gave light...as all things absolute.
What is it that happened?
Now that you are gone (and why) I feel I never knew you--
though you fill me with terrible wonder...like the onset of madness.