for my Valentine So close came the white lips of the moon

When she goes, he misses the rite of water. Before he counts her morning pills—the rite of pills is a separate ceremony— he pours one

for herself   He watches her face as she writes out hope. After that first kiss, he broke her heart once. No more. How many

They’ve both seen this movie before, since and again. They never walk out. Mark J. MitchellMark J. Mitchell  has been a working poet for 50 years.  His

Toujours pour la premiére fois                                        

SONG FOR HER DEEP SOUL For JJ I’ve been swimming so long, I don’t know I’m swimming: Her eyes will never drown me— it’s not