My name is Beatrice
and I disturb the air.
My eyes are like
uncut diamonds,
my skin is the color
of predawn snow,
and my hair is as black
as the blackest cat
that prowls beneath
the midnight
moon.
If someone sees me –
and it might be you –
I’ll show my slender
teeth, my crimson mouth.
If someone sees me –
and it may as well be you –
I’ll toss my hair back,
and with blunted nails
I’ll stroke my neck
and let your eyes linger
there.
And then you’ll know
that love is a force,
that flows from me
to you, from you
to me, and death is
but a counterpoint,
a life in relief.
All this you’ll know,
soon enough.
For I am Beatrice
and I disturb
the very air you
breathe.