Traveler (Selected Passages)

Beginnings

by David Mampel

I was born
in the silver light of Papa's eyes
filtered from the strain of darkness
sweetening the air around him
like an April snow.
What genetic mysteries
traveled to mother's womb
for a party of personality exchange
shrouded in holy chemistry?...
Rubbing his belly
in the sacred glow of firelight
mama whispers privacy
to her lover who listened
until a gust of desire
rushed through the core of compassion
like an island storm.