That Great Longing

On last request, I ask you this:
hold me like we’re lost at sea,
hold me as if thunder raptures,
capture, never set me free.

When the winter coats the orchard,
hold me when those north winds blow.
When the summer salves the meadows,
hold me as you did in snow.

Hold me like the sky is falling,
press me to your pulsing breast,
in my ear whisper me nothing,
let my lips, upon yours, rest.

Hold me as if I lay dying
so I may die happily.
Say, if you eclipsed my shadow
would you ask the same of me?