Gathering cradling
clutching with care
I held him close,
as close as I dare
I ran my fingers
through the dark mane
twirling a lock
around my fingers again
sliding it back
and tucking it tight
I cleared his vision,
I cleared his sight
All my words
caught on the tip of my tongue
my wants, my needs
remained my own
for this moment
this moment I live
I wanted to reach out
I wanted to give
the shivering creature
I held close to me
I curled him to my heart
to set him free
slit open my ribs
slit open my skin
into the warmth
I pressed him in
I held him tight,
I held him there
I fed him my blood,
his drink was my tears
I willed him to grow
I willed him to live
I begged him to take
all I could give
He drew in my breath
and he drew his strength
He unfurled, uncurled
and stretched his length
Within the womb
of my heart
and my soul
There he could thrive,
There he could grow bold
Make a feast
of my love
I cry without lament
make a banquet divine
For your nourishment
For now For ever
Devour me whole.
