Recall, friend,
the thaw, the lift
of elaborate freeze,

the throb of salt,
the steam
of belong.

Chant the cycle
of ache, the curl
of caress.

How the blaze
flew into overwhelm,
with no regard

for you, who gave
all to the one
who would abscond

with your heart.

•••

(for Deborah Meltvedt—my wicked trivia queen-poet friend who
loves to play with words, with stunning results—on her birthday.)