Thirty Seconds Before

I kissed your back as you slept...

Just now, as the sweat was running down
my July Sunday burning body,
I walked to where you lay in your dreams
and leaning over kissed your back
once in the centre, for that perfect spine
keeping your mind beautiful;
once on the right shoulder blade
for the angel that guided you to me;
once on the left shoulder blade
for the devil that I became.
Three kisses in all;
three points from where I hang
upon loves twisted crucifix.
You did not move;
nor breathe different.
I shudder with the loss
that the years between us will bring.