I SUPPOSE

 

I might take comfort in the learning of things:

that Aramaic has six terms for unconditional love:

 

Kenoota, Khooba, Makikh,

Abilii, Rukha, Dadcean Libhoun

 

all of which translate only into love in the English Bible.

 

Or that Roman brides wore flame-coloured veils,

flammeum, intended to protect the bride

from evil spirits on her wedding day,

 

or that in France, a living person can marry

a dead person of the opposite sex.

 

But, clasping my hands together, I pretend one hand

is yours, remembering that moment, that first time,

 

when your fingers sealed with mine, the slow way

they came together, and then fastened shut, like a lock.