when I'm standing near you

by Jack Kennedy

it's not often that words speak
for themselves – there are
some things once said that
cannot be taken back 

this is one of them, so i am quiet as i
watch you sketch your new life of
charcoal and communication with a
sacred woman inside you 

and i am attracted, the attraction is
very strong to the fire that surrounds
when i am standing near you, talking
about other things - 

compliments, art, relationships – what
works, not what didn't - and you keep
questioning when you don't really
need to, no apologies. 

if nothing can be done 
about it, that's ok – on the  
strength of that, i can live 
knowing that 

i have been this close 
to real beauty.