engraving

“Last summer’s reeds are all engraved in ice
as is your image in my eye;”
Sylvia Plath, “Winter Landscape, with Rooks”

I took time to know
you to learn
your little habits
adorable and annoying
I was petty you
wandering in my
mind idle leaving
tracks traces trails
deep deeper each time
hasty pecks burnt marks
on my cheek  –
ownership signs
on a wild mare.
Tamed;

started telling you apart
from the sound of your steps
the smell of your skin
the simmering sense of approach
started taking you apart
learning by heart
piece after piece
carving a fetish of craving
life-size bigger than life

now just the finishing
touches left freckles on
the shoulders a love scratch
two inches below and
I’m done and you leave
an image engraved
in my eye – I’m
taking you with me.