when did you cease

when did you cease
the passage through
this shadowland and
to our forest home?
hand in hand upon the
fen and moor
no more the fiery hearth
to warm our night-graced
flesh, still cool from
starry air
with care our loving words
beneath the heaven's stair
fingers through your
gleaming hair
til words failed the
lover's lips
you said you burned
for me
and I believed the
shape your mouth made
afraid to miss
a single part
when did the
ceasing start?