On Light

The fire seems a paltry, trembling light 
Held next to you: for you are making light.

A scarred horizon swallows all we know; 
The broken sky shines down its dying light.

I offered you a refuge from the cold; 
You came to me, your face a breaking light.

Like something from a distant longing dream, 
Your painted portrait: shades of glowing light.

Desire has wrapped itself about my throat, 
And over you, my hands are bleeding light.

How can you seem so far yet be so close? 
How can I dare to touch your aching light?

I reach for you, and every time I choke. 
There’s only this—a scattered, fading light.