The Hook of your Splendor

for my wife

I drove into the sun this morning
leaning into memories as I do;
the part in your hair last night
your laugh
(which is so reassuring because
I read it as a sign of your happiness.)
your skin, which looked as delicate
as a child’s.

And the time once
that I held you from behind
as we watched distant fireworks
pop up across the city

“Follow my finger,” you said,
“there,” and the sky
burst into a phosphorus green
then crinkled away.

I kissed the back of your neck
and slipped into the moment

I'm most present
in the world when I touch you
when I let go to your body
and rise with your breath
willing to let all else burn away
until I am consumed.

You both
light and extinguish my flame

and answer my prayer
“take me.”