one hundred percent true

to the innocent child
safely snug in comfort green
your laughter
crowds my heart

to the unrepentant teacher
driven, but never divided
your passion
is a lesson itself

to the patient submissive
whose quiet never quite reaches her eyes
your deserving need
serves my own

and to the fair-skinned woman
who believed when I said time would be enough
your love
is a fulcrum in my life