wellspring

there are words that make me think
of you when i am underneath the sleeve
of sky. words like calico & canopy
& lyrical. words that sift over my tongue
like water. you are full of the delicacy
of being. you are the careful wing of a bluebird when it flits away, but
strong enough to carry it beyond
the bounds of branch. i cannot find
language beyond your eyes except
kindness, which is what overwhelms
me & makes me more honest. i don't
know if you see your own radiance,
so i am telling you here. you are
the comfort of sinatra's honeying
tones & the revelation of the first
colored leaf in autumn. you are
one tiny lantern in a dark room.
i want to follow close behind
your dancing shadow whenever
i grow weary. or just to know
that i am less alone, which is to be in your company. i have
to tell you i carry your goodness
around in my elbows & knees
so it stays with me, bouncing.
i have to tell you when i am
around you i forget my own
darkness. you are the words
wellspring of life. you are
like my heart.


by mackenzie connellee


Thank you kenzie. I love you.