Tiny Cracks of Light

by Erika Gabrielsen

Before the words came
ideas were like hectares of grain
sandcastles at a sandbar’s edge
abandoned in August, tepid shallow ledge
she asks for the truth

Among the folds and folds of sheets
and just awakened body heat
in tiny cracks of coral light
blue black sky, celestial night
he says nothing

Letting go when all eclipsed
muddy dance and goodbye kiss
a long table, a strand of pearls
braids reversed and hugging girls
they know this is the end

Gradually we graduate
emancipate and close the gate
twist inside out and outside in
grasping to go back
to begin.