How easy 

it would be to keep  

you in a fluted crystal cage, 

 

catching sun on a shelf. With 

 

Sugar 

For sweetness, to crystalize around you. 

Let me hold you, 

 

This precognition of you. 

 

Rose petals, 

you know what for: to wrap 

you in sweet velvet embrace 

 

of silky moths’ wings and 

 

lavender for peace. 

My gentle peace, 

a ghost of 

 

childish fairytale expectations. 

 

Better not to keep you. Not trapped on a shelf in my head, a balm 

for an inflamed heart 

 

continuously diseased.  

 

Five finger grass. 

Would I be so lucky? To heal 

before I meet you? 

 

Seal with wax and say a prayer. 

 

Maybe, one day, my dear, 

I’ll know myself enough 

to know who you are.