I was unaware
of your kiss at first, on forehead
and cheek, maybe even on
my foot – you know, when babies’
feet are cute and pristine, before life
gets too serious and rinds the soul?
Then later, and with equal ignorance, I
noticed your lips, though they’d always
been there. Now the way you walked
and talked
and brushed your hair – suddenly
you were magic! A vision! My lips
against yours, the most natural
avenue in life and love. Then
all too soon, you gave me air
kisses at weddings
and christenings
and funerals, the social graces
that count, their passion sucked
out by convention. And right now
I’m all too aware of
your kiss, on my forehead,
my cheek once more, though you stay
clear of my foot. You realise
that I am slowly leaving, retreating
into soft make-beliefs
of self, sheaths which soothe
the cool airs of emptiness
poem © copyright David F. Barker 2013
