Snowfall and a Marlboro

white innocence

dances whimsically as if

to dazzle-

so beautiful when

contrasted against dull
street lamps;

drifting down through the smog

like falling leaves

floating
gently in a summer breeze,

but as leaves

succumb to rot,

the momentary grace

will end-

snuffed out

regret

like the cherry

at the end of my cigarette

Love As Reflection

the earth was all before me
as she lounged in my Roman bath

burning hot with a fiery need,

clothing heaped and discarded
at our feet,

like Colosseum spectators witnessing vigorous
and tender contradictions,

juxtaposed by moonlight fleeting

through the cold glass a sneaking
thief

captures the caress which leads
to paradise

her Venus to my Hephaestus