A Private Love

We have
a private love
that no one sees.
It's hidden
behind doors
inside the walls
of our room.
No one suspects
that you are gentle,
timid and worried,
as you hold me,
or that I am quiet
and listen as you speak
in unused soft tones
with wondering revelations.
Outside
there are battles raging
with awful violence
and we fight ourselves
bitterly
as a deadly calm
settles over our house.
The others
would never believe
that we love
alone in our room
in whispering quietude -
away from the wars,
and our work,
the permeating sorrow
and alienation
that we live in.
But as you bury your head
against my neck,
trembling,
your soft hair brushes my face
and there is no violence
no pain
only you,
your hands wound in my hair
your face against my chest
and your heart pressed to mine.