Black Marble

i was standing, split screen and
never existing except as noise
in the head of mother’s fevered brow.

he came in the door and stole
headlong air and fulfilled the oath:
redeem love and take what’s yours.

there were days in slanted shades,
earthly fears and ragged breath
but life was lived like in the olden days.

smooth silk and black marble are here
to stay; cool to touch, kisses by God here;
i think and hear something; a door trembles.