Three Words

He said the words to me today, the ones We want to hear, the ones that every heart Grows ears for, and the source of benisons That all religions wish they could impart. He said them on the telephone, this first Time ever, yet they seemed as spit-warm true As if he’d spoken into my mouth’s thirst, Had uttered them, his lips against my two So none of his most sacred sound Producing them would dissipate away To blend with heedless air, but be inbound. They left my chest and ribs in gasping’s sway. “I love you” is the mighty end of talk. My soul raced towards him. I could barely walk.