First comes the kiss

First comes the kiss

Savor the wine before it's gone.
Drain your cup to the bitter lees.
First comes the kiss then, the stone.

The silver cup, dry as bone;
exaltation -- mere memories.
Savor the wine before it's gone!

By such indulgences is work postponed
required to set us free.
First comes the kiss then, the stone --

the Polestar glimpsed, (briefly shone)
before storms roil the night and sea.
Savor the wine before it's gone.

The bright blade of discernment honed;
His sword fashioned into a key.
First comes the kiss then, the stone.

Praise conveyed by a pilgrim's groan --
love brings everyone to their knees.
Savor the wine before it's gone.
First comes the kiss then, the stone.

                    (Unpublished)