Perfumed Kiss Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

After they had gleaned the wildfowl snares
She should not have smiled and cleared her mouth
But they were very young - out-daring scares -
Longings and being too near were enough.

Long-summer sunset light across the fen -
Come dusk, the brutal blow and depths for her -
Beheaded girl never to see the sky again
Lips betrayed by her fleeing lover.

Now here is that girl's face - envisioned!
Broad brow, sapphire eyes, dark amber skin,
After these years come to life, newly risen
Free of the peat grave - our kissing cousin

At once atoned - named now with reverence
Her resined breath outlasts the ritual axe.