Shelter (Poetry)

In a dark nest
between my thighs
I keep my longing warm

You are my little bird
                        who rests
I hide you from
the storm

At night I hear
you cheep my name
at dawn I sense you fly

You carol to
                my lonely breast
from somewhere up
                        on high

I listen all
the doldrum day
and will you back
                        to roost

There is no prison
in my heart
such love allows
                    you loose

The ache of evening
pulls you near
its grainy dusk
                    a veil

And yearning finds
the turning home
for feather, wheel
                      and sail

I feel you nestle
in my flesh
folded safe asleep

The stars are counting
down out lives
the angels watch
                      and weep

The nest grows frail
chill winds of change
threaten memory

But while I breathe
old passions build
and offer sanctuary