portrait

---

I traveled with hardened heart and stomach
though I resisted, softened by your vulnerability
life's a dynamic series of constellations
determined by who we know, who we love
your star has always been near to mine
headlights on the forest bridge of futility
torches in the labrynth maze of inevitability
if we hastily altered our paths any closer
we'd enter an orbit with each other at such velocity
that should we ever escape love's gravity
our stars would be flung into opposite corners of the universe
inner eyes moist, comprehending the dismal loss
I see it so clearly in your expectant gaze
the distance between us is our preservation
salvation at the patient hands of reservation
for now I'll continue to honor the fallen, and you in your course
we'll savor these mystiques, and leave all else to a wiser source

� Caleb Andrew Walser 2002