This hardened fear lodged deep in my bowel
bloats me with doubting, chronic inaction,
distorting my brow with distended scowl,
insane response to my heart’s attraction
as you and your smile, nature’s corona,
sweep past, sweet wisp of soft summer evening,
unaware my psyche’s marooned on a
cramped island of shy despair. Your leaving
now will only extend my loin’s fever.
Please, love, stay awhile. Make my pained body
a vessel of grace, grateful receiver
of your calming touch. Relieve my shoddy
diffidence with caress, helping me live
a lover’s dream, your kiss my laxative.
Roger Armbrust
October 14, 2009
