I say your name softly
hear the gracious sound
drift with my breath

I watch the sounds float
above me, towards mountains
over lakes, down rivers, across oceans
to find you when i am far

I voice the sound which
describe you, when i am weary
or afraid in need of a mantra
to strengthen me, to steele me from fear
a protective spell unburned, unheard
too sacred for others

How would another understand
an explanation, halfhearted –
how do i describe you? describe us?
to someone, anyone – in a brief phrase, a stanza, an essay
a poem

How many words required to elucidate
these two searing syllables i say
so i don’t say
but i might say,
my grace, my prayer, my hymn, my exultations
my fantasy in times of pleasure
my relief in moments of panic
my security when confused
my homing beacon, signal-fire
my rescue, my escape

Shall i say to them
your name loud enough to hear?

So they will assume who you are with an easy
definition, a convenient descriptor?

No i shall and will keep you mine. like Nefertiti’s treasure
hidden
known only to the wisest, behind the wall
in Tutankhamen’s chamber

Like shards of pottery
missing from an ancient grecian antalect or decree
the space between Mile’s notes
the breath between Baker’s croon
the noise behind a sonic boom

Be the she of my story
the only part of me
i protect without mercy
without thought
you are my essential
no compromise will i offer

You are my magician
i willingly climb into the box
to be sawed in two
there and then
i will say your name aloud
fall in with the rhythm
with each saw stroke
confidence from the obscurity
foisted by your powerful hand

I am not ashamed
but also i am not foolish
to trust my treasure
to errant mortals
to those who quickly determine
how to place you by my side

You are not for them
you are for me and for you
and for we
to savour us