The Dance

stranger to me now
we waltz in circles, steps measured and metered
tentative, trembling with anticipation
crossing and uncrossing the hardwood
glistening with questions

This moment, then,
to drink the wine of eyes blind to imperfection
and taste the fruit of mouth mute to deception
to hear sweet love songs from your throat
encircled with orchids

I long to lay hand to chest
breathing deep your perfume
of rain drenched juniper and sea salt
to feel the violent beating of your heart
beneath skin kissed with cherry blossoms

and so the dance continues
joined only by words
fingertip to fingertip
closer now to me you pull me in
and mark this moment lovely