Reluctant Reversal

This was never meant to be
The province of pain
No anger, no fear
Just gentle flirtation
And a blurring of innocence

I wanted to know
Whether I could reach you
I wanted to share
The desires you inspired
Recapture a forgotten feeling

The wind over water
Cooling breeze lighting fires
Squinting into the sun
To catch your eyes
And fingershiver your spine

I had never expected
The drama of these days
I would not have believed
The ground so dangerous
The edge to be so close

A need for restraint
Was an outdated concept
Until I looked in your eyes
Fires long burned out
Reignited in deep pale blue

I was heedless of control
My integrity intoxicated
By the nefarious nectar
Of reawakened impetuosity
The slightest taste of your breath

So now I’m in danger
Of losing you completely
Being banished from the circle
Sent away from your touch
And hidden from your eyes

How can I save myself
From the depths of your denial
Descend to ladders beginning
And stand upon the ground
Not dig myself a cellar

How can I reach desired end
Deny the lover but save the friend?