To know another’s pain & plunge
further, to explore, to hold it, a pistil
flowering within…
To know consolation as desire &
find the boomerang of it returning
the same on passion’s Catherine Wheel,
that rack too of roses suddenly thorn-less
once fear’s disclosure becomes the surprise
of acceptance yet, of tender mutuality…

Oh darling, turn me over.  Go up.
For all the time it has taken
now is the right time.