STRAW-HAT CHEER

One word from your soft mouth shines through the haze

That blocks light on the bleakest winter day

And sets me wanting you and your love’s ways,

So we might warm each other as we play

Curled up by burning logs glowing like gold,

Enfolded in each other’s hot desire

While rain taps on the red tin roof as old

As our affinity for crackling fire.

I would never move from this position

If it were you that held me tightly here

‘Til the summer sun made its decision

To coax us out into the straw-hat cheer.

Then we can swim in salty blue lagoons

And paddle on the reefs and slippery rocks,

Your hand in mine when we climb sandy dunes

To catch the view and watch the sea birds’ flocks,

And then recline spent from loving so well,

Finding space in each other’s heart to dwell.

Note: the painting is by Iranian painter Niloufar Ghaderinejad.