YOUR INNER LUSTER     She claims as her prize springtide's first bloom,   as all the wild untamed elements of nature unravel before her in spells of wondrous enchantment. She squats down and without effort gives birth to a new earth where love holds sway over the hearts of all living things. She is the goddess who has inspired poets, painters, and composers throughout the ages.   All of nature sings her praises.   Decay touches her not, for the flower of her innocence retains the dew of immortality. She is crowned forever Queen of the Night. As she walks in contemplative silence through the maple groves, the autumn leaves fall gently all around her.   I journey to her temple seeking her. There within its blessed precincts I see blazing before me the eternal flame of her beauty. Overcome by adoration for her I kneel and utter a quiet prayer.   I look up, and suddenly she appears to me. Taking me by the hand she leads me to the outer court. The very sweetness bubbles forth from her pores, coating her skin with liquid rose droplets. Setting her body all aglow with a sheen of passion sweat.   I close my eyes and feel the mellow, relaxing currents of a deep trance wash over me; as her warm, feathery caress lingers magically in the still air. She passes by alluringly and kisses my cheek. Then I am lifted off the ground and carried willingly out to sea by the undertow of her desire.   As I awaken, I see my dear goddess has once more taken her place in the heavens as mistress of the stars. From there she disperses her scintillating smile abroad for everyone to see, but her best light she shines on me.     ©2006 Dwayne Pagnotto