Digital Man Rush Poem by Beth Bailey

Staring blankly at nothing as lonesome thoughts invade my peace,
I glance over at you, forever captured on celluloid.
You're smiling; a candy cane peeks out of your shirt pocket.
As if you didn't know you only had 6 more months to live.

My face tenses up as if a harsh, cold wind had just hit me head on.
Then the tears escape, no matter how tight I close my eyes.
It's just another day in late 2009.

Then almost as quickly as that emotional wave overtakes me,
Another one swells on the horizon.
Only this one is softer; but still the kind of wave you have to turn
Your back to and hold your breath.
This one is sent courtesy of my Digital Man.
As perplexing as he is pixelated,
His kindred soul offers sweet salvation, but at a heavy cost.
I can feel, but not touch him.
I can need, but not want him.
Our love existing only for love's sake.
But, Oh! the excitement, the anticipation, the longing.
I feel alive in those moments.
And though it doesn't seem a fair trade, I don't care.
I have never wanted to GIVE my love more to any one person.

So, let my wishes take root in this rocky soil.
I understand the bittersweet fruit that will come to bear.
Necromancy has no appeal;
Love is for the living.