issue #1 (9/18/00)

We rowed far past the
winter's last snowflakes
and dropped the oars
when we were safe.

We stopped to kiss
and wonder if
the other's eyes were
open or closed.

The spring breeze
pulled us
to the edge, while we
pushed each other

to the floor.
An evening primrose
floated lazy circles,
rippling in tune

with the gently swaying
planets.
She cried when nothing
was wrong

and I cried because
everything
was right. Too sentimental
my friends say.

Too sweet, she said.
And my trust,
like myself, lie only
with her.

The world speaks
serene languages-
maybe Latin. Maybe
nonsense.

I listen, but can't
understand it all.
I tell her in my language
"I will love

you forever."
"Te amaré
para siempre."
"Je t'aimerais

toujours." She understood.
And that day,
I really thought
I would.