Chrysalis (balmandblade.com)

To fall asleep in the cool grass
to let the earth draw the fever.
Restore her from the dust
to rest at last.
Her heart’s
desire

Rather it was
choices removed
lips silenced early.
Her almost unstoppable will
suppressed to sleep
then deeper
deeper.
Desires now as indiscernible
as breath
purposely quieted
by the weak
the selfish.

Time crawls
suspended
we knew
that had we spent our lives
in search of treasures
that we had found our fortune
in the gentle touch
knowing look
soft words
and warm embrace
of a friend

rest at last