I Will Protect You

I recently discovered
that what I expected to be a mature god-like leader
turned out to be a small shrinking child.
He is joyful at times but usually closes his eyes and tucks his chin
for fear of being hurt by the world.

I promised to protect him, he became elated
and we giggled joyously together for a while.
He had so often felt abandoned,
unprotected and uninstructed in the ways of the world
that this new parent like influence was a great relief to him,
even though we both know that I am nothing compared to him.

He rides on my left shoulder
when I am there for him,
usually not out in the open
but at least there
where he will know
when it is safe to come out.

I will protect you my dear friend.
Come and play.
I will forever explain to you, that the violence in the world
is not directed at you, or anyone,
that carelessenss is just an accident and not a personal attack,
and that your own mistakes are not your own.
And you will show me what I have been missing.

Happily
he tugs on my sleeve when he sees an opportunity to love,
and sometimes now instead of just walking away I take him,
or he takes me,
we lead each other where we could not go before,
before we had each other.

Heavy Heart

Heavy in this deep well of remorse
No air, no light, no touch
slouched over keys
the heart tries to hide it’s self

Wanting to lead with the heart
I step upon yet another.
Climbing out of darkness on a ladder of other hearts.

Many Loves?

I make love to you
my dear beloved
Every woman that I loved was the same woman
and you are that woman.
Not an individual really,
but divine.

And you loved me over and over
in countless tender ways.

Love me more.
I must have more of your tenderness.
You are my bridge.
You are the destination.

This heart loves and can not see what it loves.
Let me search in your eyes
I am sure that it is there,
very deep within,
and extending to the very edge of the universe.

I make love to you now.

A Leaf May Love

A leaf may love…

his father from which his sap comes,
and his brothers dancing gracefully with him.
He may notice a special one that seems to move with him.
He may love his green supply body as it grows.

In time he will turn brown, and dry
and fall slowly to the ground in a beautiful dance,
finally being buried with his brothers for all time.

A leaf must love.