Red head cherubim, pearlescent skin
glistens with relentless love, wrapped
around you as if love were nothing,
or everything and each cold sting,
each breaker that washes over your head
into your mouth and takes your breath away,
is only liquid laughter in the cove of warm arms,
breast and breath, lips, teeth, tummy, fingers,
hands and toes, water beads, water falls.
You walk face first into the surf, laugh and turn
to see a reassuring wave. She is your resplendent
island, patient refuge waiting to be discovered
in a spray of lapis lazuli and ivory. It’s OK, it’s
all OK — you have found the source of legend
and beauty — come and collect your prize, hero.

Advertisement