Our ecstasy was stuff as rare

and just as fleeting, so it seemed,

as whispers melted into air

which quickened beating hearts that dreamed.

We sensed each subtle side-effect

long months before our souls evolved,

and judged each other God’s elect

so long as earth did not revolve.

If only we could freeze the days

as ecstasy dammed up our tears,

we two could live within a haze,

be spared the judgment of the years.

We kissed for nothing but the fun.

We shared like lovers ought to.

Before we sickened with the sun

and lied like we were taught to.

Our tangled limbs wilt where they lie

but nature never ages.

At every summer’s start, I’ll sigh

and think of both our cages.

But now adventure calls for you,

and strangers call for me.

These manacles might chafe, it’s true,

but shackled, we are free.