So we met
At long last
Two men together
As friends we
Dined and drank
Laughed and listened
Talked and wished
But all we
Were were children
Playing at beach
Trucks and bulldozers
Laying a foundation
That not even
The days tides
Could wash away
That is us
Children around each
Other simply dreaming
And just like
A sweet apricot
His dog River
Leaps and laps
On couch and
Face loving me
As I enter
Dogs are sweet
Creatures that always
Forgive the trespasses
Befalling them unlike
Us that seem
To carry the
Heavy bags of
Our past into
Our new relationships
Let you and
I check our
Bags at the
Door and start
Something fresh for
Aren’t that we
Simply something new
And then we
Talked about love
Is love worse
Than nakedness or
Are they same
Why does it
Pain you me
Perhaps because you
I are no
Different than log
To the flame
Igniting the other
And becoming one
Yet what do
We do with
Ashes I know
Sweep them away
Make more room
For new blazes
Which are you
The ignition or
The thing to
Ignite and me
I am ash
You are log
Just the same
Are we not
Listen I’m a
Lover I live
To love with
No expectation of
Return yes I’m
Often passed by
But sometimes someone
Stops for awhile
I don’t hurt
When I give
I hurt when
I withhold it
Let me love
You and let’s
See where that
Takes us just
You and me
You have become
That present tucked
Snugly behind others
Nestled in back
Beyond my hands
Reach yet seen
Purposely to tease
And evoke wonder
Certain that you
Are the one
Thing most wanted
But just there
Beyond my grasp
Unable to shake
Therefore to guess
I spy you
The one gift
I patiently wait
To touch unwrap
And finally discover
The treasure therein
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 