By Morning You Were Gone

On summer days, we played in fields, 
and hid from him in the cover of big trees

In winter, distance forced him into 
silence

Spring brought us the promise of fresh captivity, 
and the protection of a wish

But in the fall, when our sheets could feel the mocking of 
his laughter

We listened, to something only you could 
hear

You smiled at me, as I tried to guard the bed against
my fear and hold you tightly against my chest

—but by morning you were gone

And as I lay beside your still and quiet body, feeling the coldness
of your disappearing shadow

I thank the trees, the distance, and the spring’s promise, 
—for once loving you and I

(West Philadelphia: November, 1972)