Our Forward Shadows
by May Swenson

all we see as yet
slant tall
and timid
on the floor

the stage is set
each waits
in the long-lit door

a bell in the wings
far in the painted forest
rings announcing delight

ourselves
still out of sight
our shadows listen

the cue
summons the dance
of me and you

advance
where our shadows meet
already loved

invade the room
with the scent
of thunder in the blood

move on the colored flood
naked
needing no costume

we are dressed
each in the other’s kisses

our shadows reach
to teach us our parts

the enchanted prelude starts

From The Love Poems of May Swenson © 1991 by the Literary Estate of May Swenson. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Co. All rights reserved.