Breathe

River of essence
slide over tongue
trickle down gullet
perfusion of warmth
I crave you
or something like you
or the effects of you


Grasping, pursuing
doesn't work


I try something new
rest in it
let it come
let the tendrils stretch 
across my face
like a slow outstretched
hand
fingers 
long and lean, boney


unfurl on me
imbed in my flesh
become part of my microcosm


I'll breathe
and cast aside doubt
are you friend or foe
neither or both


but please
just stay
close


because by now
your abdication
would just rip 
and be
the devastation
of me