the heart by candlelight.

i loved you once –
and in love, the heart is in a tizzy,
tenderizing the heart the same way
the first offerings of y/our
cherry-blossom tree does.
my soul is a vessel, brimming
with you. the eyes only see you
between wake and sleep,
and sleep and wake –
your voice, a climbing rose
blossoms in my ears, always.
your kisses are paper lanterns
warming the sky.

i loved you once –
and i'll love you again.