Conjuring my Last Lover – RC deWinter

when i imagine you
you’re a chimera
assembled from
assorted parts
that somehow
neatly fit together
in a patchwork of
surprising harmony

your heart
i’ve stolen from
a bold gold lion
lawless untamed
king of beasts
somehow it beats
this royal heart
in steady rhythm
matching mine

your arms
sinuous and strong
i have abducted
from a bear
both brave and clever
but they end
not in those vicious claws
capable of rending
tender flesh
but in strong hands
capable of raising
my cold body
from the dead

the rest of you
i’ve set upon
the legs of pan
but longer and
more graceful
gifted most generously
with that fabled regalia
i’ll enjoy all unashamed
with no restraint

the most
important piece
the mind
i’ve fashioned from
the realm of magick
such a nimble
stardust-visioned
work of wonder
made to navigate
the hidden paths
all leading to an endless sea
of timeless exploration

i know you are a dream
i am creating
an impossibility
a wishfulfillment man
but leave me won’t you
to my musings

i swear
when you appear
i shall accept you
as you are
and never once
wish you to be
aught but your
true and faithful
self
as you are made

RC deWinter’s poetry is anthologized in New York City Haiku (NY Times, 2017), Uno: A Poetry Anthology (Verian Thomas, 2002), in print in 2River View, Meat For Tea: The Valley Review, From Whispers to Roars, borrowed solace, Pink Panther Magazine, Another Sun, Plum Ruby Review, Down in the Dirt, forthcoming in Scarlet Leaf Review and in numerous online literary journals.