(for Dónall) When We Are Apart Poem by Janice Windle

When we are apart
the world’s light dims a little,
as if the sun has gone
behind a high cloud.

Dimmed
the spectrum colours
that have shone
on cold grey streets,
whenever we, delighted,
have strolled, entwined,
through grim faced crowds,
laughing
and exchanging jokes and puns.

The glow that fills my heart
when we lie together, or roll
in playful fun
or sensual passion,
or melting into one
undifferentiated being,
sleep soundly
in each other’s loving arms,
that light too is dimmed,
but not extinguished
for I hold you in my dreams
when we are apart.