Bound in the body

We who are bound
            in the body
finite within the infinite
            rooted in the earth
although our dreams
            all stem from the stars
We acquire habits
            and qualities and modes
of expression
            we have a language
for everything
            we have memory
and also the capacity
            to forget

And how one body
            attracts another
that’s one
            of the fundamental laws
and what we seek
            in that union
is a haven from life
            a heaven of peace
and love
            and so it creeps
into our metaphors
            and the beloved
looks heavenly
            or out of this world
Baudelaire
            with a different
complexion
            and when we have loved
fulfilled
            we are at rest

John Lyons