in the night

Where are the stars that show us to our love   

inevitable

Outside the leaves flame usual in darkness   

and the rain

falls cool and blessed on the holy flesh   

the black men waiting on the corner for   

a womanly mirage

I am amazed by peace

It is this possibility of you

asleep

and breathing in the quiet air

And red with a wild desire; 

I love your eyes when the lovelight lies 

Lit with a passionate fire. 

I love your arms when the warm white flesh 

Touches mine in a fond embrace; 

I love your hair when the strands enmesh 

Your kisses against my face. 

Not for me the cold, calm kiss 

Of a virgin’s bloodless love; 

Not for me the saint’s white bliss, 

Nor the heart of a spotless dove. 

But give me the love that so freely gives 

And laughs at the whole world’s blame, 

With your body so young and warm in my arms, 

It sets my poor heart aflame. 

So kiss me sweet with your warm wet mouth, 

Still fragrant with ruby wine, 

And say with a fervor born of the South 

That your body and soul are mine. 

Clasp me close in your warm young arms, 

While the pale stars shine above, 

And we’ll live our whole young lives away 

In the joys of a living love.