I have made a copy of our ‘Lovers’ Duet’ for you. How lovingly, how passionately we serenaded each other that night in the café. Only a month since our first meeting and see how we sing. You were so quick to dismiss your efforts, but my heart still quickens with your words. And see how we travel the haiku seasons. We are unstoppable. I have the originals with me now, the stack of drink coasters we used, one for each of our haiku. They are among my most precious possessions. And when we are together again, as surely we will be, I will give them to you and you can be the custodian for the rest of our days. But for now a copy, yours on the right and mine on the left.

LOVERS’ DUET HAIKU

Your eyes smoke like ice.

Outside traffic warmly glows.

Why do I shiver?

Above the chill wind

I lean into your coal gaze

and burn in white heat.

Autumn comes slowly,

the turning leaves take their time.

Why does my heart speed?

Time’s knowing thighs lock

just memory now and sleep.

You said you’d not leave.

The Spring moon grows huge

through the dark flowering trees.

I am missing you.

Hear my budding voice

it bursts and beckons to you.

Come sink in my tune.

My song is restless.

The battle makes my skin itch.

My lover is deaf.

You must learn to hear.

Run wildly from the battle

I await you here.

The brooch I gave you

for our first Autumn birthday

is now at your throat.

Charred I am, you hurt.

Golden hands crisp at the edges

crease me till I cry.

To see you always

I would invoke Hell eagerly

and call and call.

Can words conquer all?

The quick the cold the bitter?

Answer me my love.

Words often fail me

Those fast frustrating symbols.

My eyes speak clearer.

Your claws burn red welts

they speak clearly to my skin.

Lie hot next to me.

I lie in your arms

and know your heartbeat so well.

My own heart knows bliss.

If Haiku can bend

like a branch in a chill wind

Why my love not you?

I will bend if you

take my love in all seasons.

Hold this in your heart.

In chill and in warmth

Our eyes would know only sun

My lover, my life.