New

I have just been born
anew, emerging from the chrysalis
of my former life.

I stretch my wings to dry,
angelic laundry.
You float

down to me. Your wings
are halos, two shining suns, bright
invitations.

I join you in a wedding
dance as morning rises. We share
honeysuckle nectar. Our wingtips

touch, touch. Open, close. Slow
passion. Our joining
lazy and good.

No one whispers
“ephemeral”
more quietly than we.

~
Mary Stebbins
For Bruce
Published in City Edition, May 29, 1989
“available”