Safe Haven

Uncloak me
Like a timid star—

Both shadow self
And murky desires.

I lie awake
And hear you breathe

As the wind outside
Boils in the trees

A waterfall of thundering.

I need absolution
But not from you—

As Wilde says,
It’s the confession
Not the priest,
That removes guilt.

But I'd talk with you
If you were awake

Your voice alone
Soothes the ache.

But once again
I’m alone with my sins,

And the declining fury
Of the wind

Humming
In sweet exultation,

Now a soft lullaby,
But still no haven.

Only you
Serve this twin purpose

To hear my words
And ease my burden.

Is this my life
To live doubly—

First with you,
Then afterwards in memory?