Grace: One's Not Half Two*

Her to him:
sister-spirit
both serious and silly.

He to her:
the brother-bold,
both brave and blithe.

And over both
a mutual feeling
falling toward
solemn/sacred ceremony
accompanied by happy hammers
on dulcimers dancing-
the small scene flame-flecked
by a wee, warm, well-tended fire,
a few tallows and torches hard by.

And though the search
forlorn be now ended
Charlie's dreams still
were not with gold appended;
adored he less inert
more modest ores,
the untold beauty and balm
of Grace untrained
did silently astound
and by light-quick pulse
quietly compel him
toward gift-giving-

(supplements to
the caramel caress
-his kiss-
which sweetened
ev'ry raven tress)

bright-shined bronzes,
mirrored skirts,
copper goblets,
ancient bracelets
and jangly anklets,
polished stones
to lace about
her languorous neck,
antique talismans and
amulets to protect.

*- ones' not half two. it's two are halves of one:
a poem by e.e. cummings