Sonnet 84 – Haunted

You found me ruggedly handsome that day.
I’m amazed by what you saw in me, how
you always knew precisely what to say
to make me feel a man and more.  I know

I won’t be him again.  I remember
bittersweet moments from the brief time we
spent as “us”.  I loved you slowly, spoke your
name like a psalm while you held me tightly

to your breast, our breathing hot and ragged.
I watched you move about the room and I
discovered grace.  When you kissed me, I could
almost believe you were mine, that we’d buy

our way to freedom with passion.  That man
lies here haunted and hurt, lonely again.