Breathless.

I long to be that sweet air

which drifts past those parted curves.

White virtue seals their red gates

but wind's smallest finger reaches casually

and without a key easily enters.

How cruel to be barred from earth's best treasure

and on top of bondage watch

with unjust simplicity an unknowing thief

enter and leave with brazen confidence.

Swiftly in and just as quickly out

leaving where I long to linger

How daring in it enters

and how fearfully it flees.

I would test my own courage

against this answer and those flashing teeth

I have been stabbed by those eyes,

wounded by that quick tongue

but still in the fray I would press

further and deeper in.

Step aside, air, thou coward's foe

and let me stand on thy battleground.

Come dear, my only love,

I will take your breath away.