From a Distance

For Day 12 of Poems in April at 'imaginary garden with real toads', we are asked to write of a secret love – secret from the object thereof.  This is, um, somewhat fictional.

From a Distance

There's a fabulous light through the trees,

part cool silver moon, part warm golden bonfire, 

blended, glowing like a beacon, a tunnel 

through the vast surrounding dark.

But I don't move closer, don't let myself

be drawn into that blaze, that radiance.

From here I can see you moving, tall and proud

above the crowd: energetic, lithe, graceful.

You won't know or care that I watch,

won't feel my lustful adoration. I never

attend your frantic parties in the forest

though I long to dance all night with you.

I yearn to dance forever in your arms – 

but not as just some reveller, one of so many

willing fans. My nature is deep and solitary.

You're the star; everyone loves you.

And everyone knows the rules. You can't

give yourself to one only. Not though each

desires exactly that. You must be shared,

not possessed. In gratitude we owe you this.

As you owe all of us that spreading of your love,

which is vast enough, hot enough, in its way lasting....

But I'm not that kind, so I watch and dream

in secret. And only in dreams I slake my lust.

In my dreams you come at last to me. We're alone.

From hooves to antlers, you are splendid! I breathe 

your name: 'Cernunnos!' Your eyes burn. I'm alight.

A wild music swells. You swirl me into the dance.


Also sharing at Poets United's Poetry Pantry #446