How Many Heartbeats

Standing together, yet so far apart
Their anger strong and feverish
It's efforts a whirlwind to engulf

His anger toxic, threatening to devour his mind and soul
But, his love for her all-consuming, a challenge to his anger
His destruction was it's goal

They turn to each other as one
His anger alive inside of him, writhing and fighting with all it's might
He strove to imprison it, deep down inside
locking it away with his other demons

Reaching out his hand he drew her to him
her head rested on his chest

A thought, a murmur, hope flooded her thoughts
Her pride was aching, her feverish anger gnawing at her
A scream rising up from within
becoming deafening, yet unreleased

But, then...
a pause, just a few seconds in time
how many heartbeats were held in those few seconds?

Gentleness wrapped itself around her
Warmth embraced her heart, warming it, the glow spreading throughout her
Her vicious words and anger released into the wind
a fervour enveloping her, subduing her instincts and anger
She rested her hand and his onto her stomach

Unheard and unfelt, this new voice within her grew stronger
Forcing them to hear it's displeasure
Commanding their protection, it's heart a sublime mix of their passion
It kicked up a storm, but finally exhausted
the peace was precious and hard fought for
Their lives changed forever in time.