Kurt Philip Behm

A Seven-Year Love (+3)

Wanting you,

knowing I couldn’t have you

I called the devil my friend

as he surrendered the key

The lock to your heart reopening,

the hourglass turned over

In the flames of December

—running back to you

 

(Houserville Pennsylvania: December, 1971)

 

 

Kindling\'s Fire

 

She made me more real than I could stand,

but choice was not an option

And reaching in deep she pulled tomorrow

out of yesterday’s regret

Leaving me to find a home for all the

wasted memories and time

Loving me only just enough

—to begin to start again

 

(Houserville Pennsylvania: December, 1971)

 

 

 

Grandest Larceny

 

With lightest hand

and heavy heart

 

My pen runs dry,

bereft and stark

 

That never given,

I’m doomed to steal

 

The grandest theft

—my words conceal

 

(Stealing From Laura (Muse): March, 2021)

 

 

 

 

Wovoka

 

From the Kiowa to the Cree,

 people sing and dance

 

Prairies ringed with fire

—a ghost returns at last

 

(Pine Ridge South Dakota: September, 1994)