For Eager Lovers (Taggard collection)/For Eager Lovers

by Genevieve Taggard

For works with similar titles, see For Eager Lovers.

FOR EAGER LOVERS

I understand what you were running for,Slim naked boy, and why from far inlandYou came between dark hills. I know the roarThe sea makes in some ears. I understand.

I understand why you were running nowAnd how you heard the sea resound, and howYou leaped and left your valley for the longBrown road. I understand the song

You chanted with your running, with your feetMarking the measure of your high heart's beat.Now you are broken. Seeing your wide browI see your dreams. I understand you now.

Since I have run like you, I understandThe throat's long wish, the breath that comes so quick,The heart's light leap, the heels that drag so sick,And warped heat wrinkles, lengthening the sand. . . .

Now you are broken. Seeing your wide browI see your dreams, understanding nowThe cry, the certainty, wide arms,—and thenThe way rude ocean rises and descends. . . .

I saw you stretched and wounded where tide ends.I do not want to walk that way again.