The Calculus of Longing

Even a half-hearted kiss can heal

especially if it's slow, in the barn,

in winter, with the heaters purring

as snow quietly falls.

Especially if you're still fairly young,

ahead in school but behind in love,

allergic to hay so you sound like

you have sniffles but you don't.

No friends to talk to,

no one to tell you the tickles down low

are normal, no one to tell you

that yes, the smell of your breath will change

and that's how you'll know

Curl together like a river flowing quietly

between stripped willows and spruce.

Gently listen for the quickened footsteps

of your hearts. Take refuge

in stunning melodies found deep inside

as you undo the life you've always known.

This is the winter you build yourself new.