In the bustling food court at a suburban mall
young Dan first spies Bea ordering Thai takeout
and his soul stirs, recognizing immediately that it
has found something worthy of a lifelong obsession,
as if awakening from long centuries of purgatory.

I stay well away these days from both bar and brothel.
Like all vices, they became both tiring and treacherous.
Much better now, I can see you throughout the day.
There may be noted beauties darker or lighter
But not any one that suits my glad heart better.

Exciting as sex, the thought that arrived at dawn
zigged and zagged, spun about, eventually
struck something as solid as a belief then
shattered into many bright new things.
Its legacy perfumed the day.

With its promise of pain and losses,
remorseless age stalks me.
But your touch and kisses
offer a private sanctuary
that thwarts its fell purpose.