Three Words
He said the words to me today, the ones
We want to hear, the ones that every heart
Grows ears for, and the source of benisons
That all religions wish they could impart.
He said them on the telephone, this first
Time ever, yet they seemed as spit-warm true
As if he’d spoken into my mouth’s thirst,
Had uttered them, his lips against my two
So none of his most sacred sound
Producing them would dissipate away
To blend with heedless air, but be inbound.
They left my chest and ribs in gasping’s sway.
“I love you” is the mighty end of talk.
My soul raced towards him. I could barely walk.