I.
My brother only loved as a cloud
or a bull, or not himself at all.
How am I to know how to touch you?
 
II.
I have not seen a living creature
in decades, I am certain,
and your hair glows in the half-light.
 
III.
Death is not my domain.
I know the lies your mother tells you
ring through your ears.
 
IV.
You were hungry.
How was I to let you perish?
I want to be your husband, not your king.
 
V.
When I feel the bed dip in night,
and you slide in, keeping distance,
all I want is for you to press against me.
 
VI.
The first time I touched you,
I swear it burnt my skin. I felt alive,
and I just wanted to feel every inch.
 
VII.
When I watch you wake up,
it’s like I’ve finally earned the right
to live amongst the sunlight.
 
VIII.
I have learned to fear the night,
each and every time you leave our mist.
Our home.
 
IX.
You come home and press your mouth to mine,
and let me touch and I swear that I’m dying,
leaving you are mistress of this domain.