ISLANDS


What is this world to me
Without your love? What is life?

Your fragrance permeates my bed.
It lingers like a slow dying ember.
The memory of your presence here,
I replay in images sweet and absolute,
Nearly as perfect as the fact.

Your words, your intonations
Are enlaced with your beauty
And I am confounded with an overflow of love.

My face finds the base of your neck,
The cleft of your throat,
And when your mouth brushes my ear,
I hear magic and whispered incantations,
Almost imperceptible.

Your kiss and your touch
Are embellished with the scent of lilac
And the savor of honey.
My lips are drawn to yours.
Your mouth spells out my desire.

My “will to power” melts in your arms.
My trepidation collapses like ash.
I am rendered weak and mute by your name said aloud …
Or by the sound of your voice calling mine.

What is the earth to me without your love?
What is the sea? What are the islands without you?


John Carlson copyright 2009