Alchemy

What is where? You know when you arrive.
In the beginning here was nowhere.
Time’s corners turn faster as you age.
The elements gold, silver, and bronze prove
nothing. Is that why time’s short?
Why not live as though death waits
for breath to stop in the pall of night,
and still alive be caught up eagerly
in the throb of life? Behind the mask
you breathe fresh air. Alchemists swear
a rainbow can swallow sunlight
and clouds eat the moon. The metal
urges, Teach me to melt you so you know
ecstasy’s feel, blood flowing together.

Went into the rain. Both of us barefoot
walking lightly across the grass soaking
the seed growing throughout the night.
We knew everything at birth, forgotten
when we knew too much, the soil soggy . . .
Took you, you took me deep into the dark.

(21 November 2013)

copyright 2013 by Floyce Alexander