In 2008 the poet expressed a growing affection for a friend in this poem...
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I would gather you, as a rare orchid,
in jungles of my life. reds and pinks
and a curious lavender to tempt me
to touch and taste and take for my own
that which nature has raised up beautiful,
indifferent to my desires.
I would gather you, as a rare orchid,
bright and perfect. proof of God
even if I must contend with defenses
made to hold me away and teach humility
in the lessons you have learned in pain
and sadness, cast as madness.
I would gather you, and lay with you,
your petals filling my senses, making my defenses
an anecdote of ages past, as I am drawn
so deep inside your very presence
by your beauty and mystery
that I am lost, forevermore.
William F. DeVault. all rights reserved.