Birthday Poem by L.B. Temuco

Your hands have
covered my eyes
with their warm veil
your breath has
uncovered gentle dust
that spreads and settles
in a dream,
your voice like
the wings of a small bird
from the lips of a butterfly
opens and whispers
memories in seconds,
a year apart from then, my love.
You lips fold and open
With fading sounds
With silent wings
Your lips glide and circle
Throwing shadows
I am happy like that too
this joyous shadow in us
that we are
this bright bleeding tissue
that glistens in deep, untouched
rifts, these deep cuts that make
our fingers bleed
joyous rushing wounds
that flow over reason,
the red plumes of passion
hang like banners
from clouds
I taste the passing salt
I lay next to you
and watch you rise
from the earth and leave,
unfolding again
you spread your arms
and offer me your eyes
like a surrendering soldier
like a fallen flag
in sleep I will always
awaken you when
your soul stirs