[Tess]

Love Song
by Henry Dumas


Beloved,
I have to adore the earth:


The wind must have heard
your voice once.
It echoes and sings like you.


The soil must have tasted
you once.
It is laden with your scent.


The trees honor you
in gold
and blush when you pass.


I know why the north country
is frozen.
It has been trying to preserve
your memory.


I know why the desert
burns with fever.
It was wept too long without you.


On hands and knees,
the ocean begs up the beach,
and falls at your feet.


I have to adore
the mirror of the earth.
You have taught her well
how to be beautiful.