This affliction of longing

do you feel this too?
the congestion that holds breath captive
the rapid pulse marking time
that is not ours to occupy

once, I dreamed we went to the theater,
you sat behind me in the dark
so close I could feel us breathe;
when you stood up to leave,
your hand touched my shoulder and it was…….delirium

do you feel this too?
a fever of the skin and flush on cheeks
the persistent ache of want
no prescription will resolve,
no dream will assuage

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WORDS: ©2014, Jen Payne
IMAGE: Gustav Klimt, University of Vienna Ceiling Paintings (Medicine)

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