While She is There (I Cannot be Here)

While She is There (I Cannot be Here)

by Michael Warren Grant

She has taken residence

of my mind;

a lavish suite

of Persian rugs

and tasseled pillows.

Animal desires, 

dispelled,

have given way

to appetite for life;

a single white rose

blooming in its bed.

Now, to nourish this tender

creature with gracious offerings

of word, of song,

and honesty of speech.

Fragrant Bloom

presented when next

tender skin meets

and full lips intertwine.

When next her smile

peers into mine.

When next her soft voice,

patterned after breeze,

echoes sweetly in my ear?

For while she is there

I cannot be fully here.