Nocturne

Amazing, nothing less, at this gray age,
Across the dusty distance of such years,
To waken from a dream, in youthful tears
For an old love, “the one who got away,”
While she who sleeps beside me holds me here
In comfort of the history we share.

Sleep deeply, Eve. I’ll marvel, while I may—
In grip of earnest passion I had feared
Forgotten—and imagine, if I dare,
That somewhere Lilith also lies awake.

 
 
—Lester Smith
 
 
(Originally appeared in Lilith Unbound)