by Jonathan Hunter-Kilmer
warm mist my breath
in cold
and incense
rise
before my eyes
upraised my spirit
eyes cast down
and kneel with gladdened sighs
such aromatic
as Your breath
and warm
substance of prayer
a hand-made
representative
my Lover
always there
Sweet, as Your scent
collects my thoughts
and calms
though I am thrilled
the touch of You
reaches out through
all else
is all
but killed
and lanced
from heart to mind
and down
through with
Your passion's shaft
I rise
supine
reborn
complete
as milk cow that has calfed
the white-gold glow
of smoke
and smell
that thickens
empty air
is vision felt
I, Love,
have knelt
embraced by You who share
the moment's sigh
the desperate cry
the yield of innocence
I offer You
I drink
You strew
with flowers, grapes You sent
and bread You laid
as in a maid
You lived
before her died
I drink and eat
Beloved, complete
with blood run from Your side
I emptying
my life will sing
with voice Your Spirit gave
and fill
eternity
with You
Who emptied every grave
embrace I now
Your Kingdom how
Your intimacy live
You showed the glow
so long ago
my weakness You forgive
Beloved
receive
my soul reprieved
Your bride the world forsakes
in wine so sweet
and bread life-deep
eternity partakes