Most pleasing to the eye
and the soul.

Your entry was like a swan, pearl-like 
on a glimmering pond.

Gliding your way
into my heart as a friend
and a jewel to be treasured.

Polishing your luster so it
sparkled
with a purpose.

For I knew that you were delicate
and needed tender care.

I was there.

Time, time was never a worry
as your worth was beyond
measure
on earthly scales.

I could balance you on my hands
above the crowd,
the open mouthed audience
of praisers appraising.

With frolicking and flirtatious
spins and swirls
we used
the stage as a world of our own to shine.

They could look in
and envy 
but never be a part
of our dance of love and delight.

Until I alit gracelessly 
upon the hard,
cold
boards of reality.

When I brought my hands 
to your cheeks
you thrust them away,
away, away.

I stumbled, and I tripped, and I cried out
in silence
for guidance and understanding,
just a touch.

I turned and walked away.

Someday
perhaps my soul may know,
you will show me 
where it went.

Why I lost it,
the desire in your eyes,
it died,
no glimmer was left
to light my path
away.

Even a heart may 
shatter like a fragile gem.