The Long Way

The love of my life. What is it compels us to go on?
The body slows, but the mind becomes stronger
each day. The desire to live fully:

Love has its curious way. The arms holding you
and would ask only that you hold her . . . Arms
aching for other arms, lips for other lips, body
for another body:

Is that the way? Count them.

I am dying in a dying country. You are the more
alive. May we see America again as one flesh.
America without borders, without secrets.

There are miles. There are rooms. There are trees.
There are rivers. There are mountains. I remember.
There is human love . . . the long way.

(14 December 2010)

Copyright 2010 by Floyce Alexander