Pining in an Upper Room
“I flame distinctly,/ Then meet and join” Ariel
For Bill
I’m in an upper room. My longing fills
The air above my scalp, above the roof,
A hovering power, strong as Heaven’s hills
But pawing like a pouting cloven hoof,
Or shaped like pairs of angels’ wings folding,
Unfolding, and embracing my dual
Perplexing passions like a scolding
Mother who, nevertheless, grants misrule.
My life is like a tulip of two colors, shades,
With thorns or teeth that tear at other flowers.
Because the torture makes me act like blades,
My heart knows only split and cleaving hours.
..I’m trapped in a divided pine: desire
….For men and women—Pentecostal fire.