February 4: Untitled ("This was the first time I knelt...")

[February Feels Like]

This was the first time I knelt

and with my lips, frightened, kissed

the lit inwardly pink petaled lips.

It was like touching a bird's exposed heart

with your tongue.

Summer dawn flowing into the room parting

the curtains—the lamps dimming—breeze

rendered visible. Lightning,

and then soft applause

from the leaves...

Almost children, we lay asleep in love listening

to the rain.

We didn't ask to be born.

---

Franz Wright, Earlier Poems (2007)