Pulling Kisses Redux: When the Words Run Out

Words tied up in secrets

Once small, innocent lies

They are muzzled

Under the penalty of false death

She asks me, “What happens to words

When all the trees have a million leaves

All the blades of grass are long and soft

All the bird’s nests are filled with hungry mouths

And song?”

We hide in plain sight in the grass

Watch the leaves rustle in the breeze

And filter the sunlit sky,

Listening to the birdsong.

Who are you

Next to me? Basking

Together in silent wonder

We think to each other, will we kiss?

Because that is the secret

We carry in our mind

Wordless poison, song of delight

It is what happens

When the words run out.