Suspension

We entered silence 
Before the clock struck

Red wine is caught between the crystal 
And your fingers
The air solidifys around your mouth. 
Once-wind has sucked the curtains in 
Like fright, against the evening wall 
Prepared for storm       Before the room
Exhales       Your lips unfold. 
Within their sudden opening
I hear the clock
Begin to speak again.

I remember now, with the filled crystal 
Shattered, the wind-whipped curtains 
Bound, and the cold storm
Finally broken,
How the room felt
When your word was spoken—
Warm
As the center of your palms 
And as unfree.