clutching at stardust roads

short words will suffice until

the moment we kiss and make

stars shed their loose dust

her hair like flames

licking at my face

and not wanting anything

but the winding cool 

of her cheeks 

in its place 

coriander finger cradle

*for tonalti*

there are women
who walk miles with grace
bearing water vessels
and history upon their heads.

you, dear soul
bear that vital weight
within the deft nurturing of your hands
and they too are vessels,

i pray that you give that water tinged with love
judiciously
with light