Defining Moments

Sun-kissed sand seeping warm softness through loose fingers Gritty bits of sea worn shells clinging to sweaty palms Endless stretches of churning salty skirts, swirling soft sand offerings Timeless routine unless confined to an hour glass; then time defined and depleting I will stay here, one more day, in this moment with you Billowing wind toying with chimes dangling from a hook outside the window Weather-worn strings attempt constant purchase on their prized pipes Hollow tubes and smooth wood dance as if marionettes Called to action without self-will; blown and battered sporadically to purpose of sweet note I will stay here, one more day, in this moment with you Fragrant formed wax with wick in need of trimming Sagging brittle edges from last burning yearn for more pliable state Called to illumination and guardian of the very flame that diminishes Beauty invoked by warm flickers as shadows dance; knowing that soon it will only smolder I will stay here, one more day, in this moment with you Precious kisses on soft skin and caresses on tiny fingers Confused pleas of tears and unformed words when communication is elusive Nurtured as if a fragile rare flower, coaxing to bloom and thrive Rooted and reaching for the sky; so soon to spread limbs, absorbing and obscuring the sun I will stay here, one more day, in this moment with you Heady thoughts of desperate need, wanting skin and souls to touch and mingle Uncharted and unrehearsed voyages across deep waters and over daunting cliffs Strengthened or broken by attempts to fly; stretching wings in unison to keep aloft Long sought destination reached, realizing now that the journey’s purpose was to find you I will stay here, one more day, in this moment with you