will steal the sun's glow and shine—
gold on melanin like a saint's halo.
But tonight, let's pretend neither
of us is here. It's a moonless night;
a blatant eclipse, though the world
is oblivious as always. Like us,
two rebel-lovers are hiding
in the earth’s shadow like moles.
There is a story about lovers and
tunnels. I forget now how it goes.
All I know are stories of loss.
Like now, whispering: Do not stray
in this dark, Light. Still-warm lamp,
hold me close to you in wanting.
The truth is: I want your bright
face close to mine as a reminder
that soon, two callused hands will bend,
and fill me up with goodness, and
I, too, will glow so brightly in the dark.
Someday, moon, I too will demand
what you demand of the tides;
of the poets. A man will say beautiful,
and then I will come into the light.