sonnet for gail -- i

a word or two and we cross the last edge
between the world and our own proper place
we build ourselves a fine and secret space
and rest awhile upon convenient ledge
hidden from all mankind by a tall hedge
allowing both of us the sober grace
to watch each other with an open face
and recollect our own most solemn pledge
let there be time for words and more than words
what we require is music in the soul
and time beyond the scope of normal night
in this one room we're freer than any birds
we hold each other and so become whole
and dread return to duty with first light