crimson

Every time I close my eyes,

it’s crimson

like your aura.

Or is it that vermilion,

the tint of the sun?

No.

It’s the kermes vermilio— 

the kethermes glow,

the mediator of red & blue,

the Hermes of the hues. 

If rouge is life & indigo death

you straddle my soul 

suck out my depth.

I close my eyes,

the color of Nepal,

the root of your heart,

the sound of your call.

Climb up the trees, 

sip up the sap

you are what you eat

& much more than that.

I close my eyes & every time

you’re there

in streaks of light,

in gasps of air.

You glow, you know

so warm & bright.

You devour my dreams,

eat up my nights.

It’s crimson—

It’s crimson!

It’s burning red.

I cannot get you out of my head.