Beloved, You Must Do As I Have Told You Poem by RIC BASTASA

i can no longer give it to you
because i have given it to
no one,
nothing receives it
and if falls in nowhere.

i have nothing more to give
you
and now the power of your
understanding shall be tested
if you must still
take me as your beloved

i am nothing now, the wind is
more with flesh
and the water is warmer
than my skin

i am a stone and the rivers
deny me
i am this part of your universe
where the sun
cannot shine anymore

the only way that you can make me live
is release me from your
cares.

i am nobody now and
you
even if you utter my name
like a possession
like a jewel
i do not dare any glow
i am rust amidst the salt of the sea.

do not deny me this freedom of the winged
curse,
i am no longer the fire in the cold
not even a grass for the grave.