June 6, 1985 e.v.

Kenai, Alaska

ARTEMIS

Huntress moving through the trees,

Elusive and swift as the tangled threads

Of my dreams

Move through your strong hands-

Which separate and bind them back

Together in neat skeins;

Which weave warm fabrics

From my hopes and fears;

Which slay your prey and bring to birth

My children without pain.

I yearn for the death that lurks in seeing your beauty

As you bathe naked in cold mountain lakes.

The grace you've taught me makes the icy night wind seem

Sweeter than a warmly lit hostel.

You have made my need my strength.

-Joshua Putnam