Gabrielle,
I remember the first time, seeing you as if in a dream.
We walked into each other like dreamers walking.
Where my dream had been bad I saw sadly that yours was good.
I was so sorry to have disturbed you that my heart stammered the truth,
"I love you."
Before my mind had the time to think and censor.
Would this have been different if I had not spoken?
Or were you hunting me already?
I called myself lucky to see you again.
Was it all a part of your plan?
Could it have been chance that I said the right words?
I saw you again and again but only in my dreams and written,
In the corner of my eye.
But you danced into my life with the grace of Shiva herself.
You twisted the time around me, danced me to you Mezzabenorran rhythms.
The first kiss that you gave me looped into itself, mesmerising me so that when you bit,
I, myself felt nothing sister.
For in retrospect, my love for you was not a passionate one.
It was far too caring to be the lust that I had frequented before.
So the only word that I have for you is "sister."
Though I never knew that sisters left in the night.
Sneaking away into the rainy streets, leaving only a paper with these quotes,
"I have nothing if not you."
"I am nothing if not your love."
I do nothing if not love you."
The nights were not the same without your smile.
The galleries filled with art were not so beautiful.
The nights were not so bright, and did not hypnotize.
The verse no longer sprang to my lips in celebration.
I lived simply for your memory, knowing nothing but loss.
Until one day I slept veiled in the drug of dreaming.
I awoke with a chain around my neck and a ring upon my finger.
Both with a colorand a feel that spoke of you.
Now they are connected and hang by my heart.
But your absence is all that really remains.
by:Dana Schoonmaker
Email: sgotschall@usa.net