as a startled scallop pumps its shell and flies away from starfish arms; and when it lands, digs in again in the sea-bottom sands, safe for a while, until the next surprise -- so when you're near, my heart syncopates, wants to escape; burrow into solitude; hide in its calcified ribbed shell and brood, evasive and wise, a ghost in new haunts. but that delicious terror moves me, makes me the hunter while still chased, gives an odd twist of desire to my heart's strange career. whatever dangerous turns passion may take, i want no safety from you. oh, dear god! how could i love someone i didn't fear?
Copyright 1993 Edward Gaillard. All rights reserved.