Caught on the blade of my heart's desire,

I touch his face.

It takes all my strength not to show

how that touch rocks me.

His skin is soft. He is so young, so

full of life, passion, possibilities.

Anguish and longing choke me.

He is not mine. Can never be mine. But

my desire is so strong it feels like dying.

Solitude, once a sanctuary, is now bitter

and corrosive.

I have lost myself.