Communion

First the rowdy adolescents
hit the sky--
three butterflies

spin, dive, and soar
in sudden flutters of ivory and orange.

Just below
their field of play
maturity holds sway.

Four diaphanous wings
touch stillness on a stem

as tantric partners

swoon, glisten

and sway,

the entire translucent day.

And now I’m bravely dancing

with what’s been missing,

bringing your absence close

enough to kiss,

yet, in some ways, through what's
been eclipsed, our ship still drifts

and I am at bay.