you distilled
fresh intoxication
from kindred loneliness
and the bruised fruit
of stained footprints

anticipation became
an exotic ferment
brought from afar
like caravan riches
and trade wind spice

scented passions
brewed love potions
from your sweet nectar
writhing on my tongue

which sang of unions
in skies
of falling diamonds
and spoke of goodbyes
on oceans
cried from last kisses

where
unholy vessels
collide
‘til tempest tides
rage the shore
casting pearls
before swine

so here I lay
apple in mouth
waiting for the wisdom
but
all the serpent wanted
was the part
we threw away