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Bridle Nor Bride
Raymond Neely
Once I thought you reached
out wanting me when you approached,
and I swear that swimming before I reached
your heart
you sought to expel me
and battered me away
so I salted you with
tears from cliff facings
and knew not the treasures of your soul.
As you were the sea
I thought you were only waving
but no, you meant more
even love,
so I strode into your waves one night
and was made jealous
as I caught you so with the moon,
and salted your beach with my tears.
I returned to you as a suckling
and found the fanged serpents
in your swirl
and noting tame in your lull.
I blew you a kiss
when shrimp boats docked,
prayed and wooed her.
Her cheek turned into
the outward tide
and I knew she could be no bride.
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