Nocturnal Games.

Your tawny head peaks around the darkened tree
Just a mere glimpse given to entice me into playing our nightly game.

I smile and you know that I've seen you,
that I've agreed to our nocturnal ritual.
Your golden head disappears briefly
behind gently shaking limbs
and ghosting puffs of cloud.

I tip toe closer,
biting my lip so as not to giggle;
knowing that no matter how close I come
you'll remain out of reach.

It doesn't bother me
not now, not ever.

I place my palm upon the age roughed bark,
cast my eyes upward.
"Hello friend."
It's a mere whisper around that pent up giggle.

Your head dips in acknowledgment of my presence
and we stand silently for long moments,
speaking volumes through fond gazes
and whispering breaths,
as the wind whistles around us,
through us,
rustling the branches that separate our bodies
and pulling my tresses free of their haphazardous confinement.

I wrap my arms around myself
and lean into that battle weary guardian
who stands in witness to our meeting.
The stresses of the day drain away,
coaxed out by your eternal radiance
and his quiet presence

My eyes grow heavy
and my mind begins to numb.
"Goodbye friend"
I think I hear you whisper in parting.
My legs compel me to take a step backward

I comply,
sending one last fond glance your way.
Your eyes seem to twinkle just once
before your golden crown once again dips out of sight
behind the bowing branches of our silent sentinel,
ushering me on my way to pleasant dreams
and the ever present longing
for the next consummation
of our nocturnal matings.