Birthday Night Poem by Gert Strydom

The golden light
of twelve candles
sparkled on your skin

while you came to me
like a goddess
stepping back into my life

and a shadow
followed you
on the bedroom wall

and I could see
your beautiful big eyes glowing
as if set alight.

There were still drops of water
on your naked skin
which was warm to my touch

and you blew all the candles out
and in sudden darkness
your kiss was soft and hot.

In having you against me
there was something familiar
and something new

and things felt as if they
were destined to be
and I could hear
your heart beat against mine.