So Close yet so Far Away

He smooths her picture,
fingertip glides over lush full lips.
He calls, begs; she must feel his presence.
Her sweet warm breath lingers.
A sinister lover lurks, biding it's time.
If it could just get her to taste,
his web encircles gently,
loving her to death.


Subways, an ocean of faces blur,
images of her shadow, obsessing,
she is his drug, he has no control.
He has lost himself, becoming her.
Only a slim stream, his needs are more.
A scent of lavender permeates his skin.
Other women are cheap imitations.
Writing without her is inconceivable.


In their short lifetime, two years,
she gave his existence meaning.
Now wherever he looks, she is.
A fleeting profile, her smile in a cafe,
white summer hat with scarlet ribbons.
Her hair, a jumbled garden of auburn,
brown soulful eyes with golden specks.
As long as he can feel her, she lives.


Only he can see her angel wings.
She never meant to cause pain,
so young, impulsive, and childlike.
As long as the serpent stays away
with needles and candy.
He believes he can save her.
Cradled in his arms, in bed,
not in a box, her soul already sold.



By Kathie Stehr