He promised himself severe rewards.
Blue waters. Mountains cutting the sky.
Wine unceasing. Woman of abundant
heart. He could seek comfort in tears.
He began to linger at dusk. He marked
sorrow in red on the calendar. He
cradled himself in the order of days.
One night when sleep would not come
he lit candles. He pored over books.
His fingers touched each treasure.
Explanations soared into dawn.
Dreams washed over his life. He
counted heart beats. He promised.