by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
the skin
so fragrant
magic seems
to one enchanted
lightning gleams
in irises that take in all
and see my spirit grown so small
an emerald
but warm in flame
shines green
and firm in golden frame
the flicker in a diamond
answers
the rose in midday sunned
a garden jeweled
tended Your hands
upraise and flower
make new lands
a living gem not pressed in earth
but by Your trials grace disbursed
as skin to skin
the flame to fire
turns as grows
Your passion's pyre
so bursting grape, refulgent grain
so gold become
to mold and tame
my soul to overcome my flesh
resolved in You
Beloved
come fresh
into the bouquet of Your breast
aroma succulence confessed
in joy that comes of pain
You bear
and I accept
my Lover's dare
for dare I must
if love I will
and in my heart
Your grace instill
