Something Shifted

I recall the moment when

gazes brushed across the room,

and softly, you smiled at me -

a smile, which I returned.

It baited me,

captivated me,

and I knew I needed you.

-

Something shifted then,

so elegantly you moved

as you passed me by

and left me standing there.

It entranced me,

romanced me,

and I had to follow you.

-

Wisdom don’t fail me…

I must take this leap.

-

I noticed those little things:

the way narrow brows brought

smooth wrinkles to your forehead;

your sweet musk, like juniper.

It captured me,

enraptured me –

and I felt this love for you.

-

Something shifted when

I watched you purse your lips -

God, those lips –

as you gave some contemplation.

It ensnared me,

it dared me,

to finally be with you.

-

Courage can’t fail me,

these stakes are too steep.

-

I remember that first kiss,

and how you pressed against me -

limbs and bodies bound together,

nails dug into my skin.

It excited me,

delighted me.

Was it the same for you?

-

Something shifted then,

glazed in argent moonlight,

between sweat and heat,

rasping breaths, and bruising grips.

It chilled me –

thrilled me –

and panic consumed you.

-

Strength don’t fail me -

I’m in way too deep.

-

I memorized those eyes,

like rolling ocean waves

that drew me under, deeper

until I drown with you.

It satisfied me,

pacified me -

but what to do with you?

-

Something shifted then,

something now I knew:

to be my lover’s keeper,

At last, I felt alive…

it frightened me,

no, enlightened me -

what I’d done to you.

-

My love hadn’t failed me -

when your soul I’d reaped.

-

I know you’re mine now,

my beautiful marionette…

my fragile figurine…

and only I can seek you out.

It invited me,

reminded me,

when I would visit you.

-

Something shifted then,

and when the gavel falls,

I find no shame within me,

because, to me, you’ll belong.

Yet it addicted me,

and convicted me,

the last to be with you.