Vow

I will not eat you slowly;
roast your tranquil soul
over selfish coals.

I will not make my occupation
the secret erosion of your dreams,
nor withhold blessed forgiving.

I will never scale a summit
beyond return, or erect walls
of implacable indifference.

I will not hesitate to brush your
tasseled hair, scent your bath,
light and stoke the fire.

And should your bright
and gracious spirit
fall before mine,

I will not fail
to dust your ashes
upon the grateful earth.

~ N. L. Nason ~