The kiss

It’s about what endures
           and what does not
Sensations are momentary
           feelings persist and grow
over time though
           that is not to say that
one is of greater value
           than the other

a kiss cannot last for ever
           no more than a rose
but the love engendered
           need never die

Dissenters or not
           we are all pilgrims
survivors of the plague our bones
            bound for Bunhill Fields
no Rodin to set us in stone
           for all eternity

For a moment
           he pulls her in
and plants a kiss
           on her lips
Would he do it if each act
           were not precious ?

John Lyons