from deep within
our laughing hearts
we gathered
the ancient winks of
a million loving stars
and the alchemist
that is our passion
melted them into diamonds
which we threaded into
a necklace of joy that
encircles our common soul
I will wear our gems with delight
polish them with little surprises
guard them with relentless devotion
until my heartbeat rests
my mind fades to black
and my body slips into the sky
– Paul Raworth Bennett