Silence of winter

Silence of winter

distant from all but my sexual contacts

her bedroom nights

and day friends

memory of my independence vanishing dream

holding on to it, myself

knowing how love can hurt.

Its seduction of me, dissolving my man barriers

biologically, to procreate

or create a new personality, a deepening

humility, her womanhood hands.

Not giving in completely

touching sweetly

but staying strong.

Going into the winter to mark my trees

not flinching in the dark early morning

casting an eye cold as a telescope

moving inexorably

a part of nature, insect, star.

This is how I'll love

and live with her.