Choosing Sides
Rom Spaceknight #32 (July 1982)

the kiss catches
them both by surprise

she expecting the familiar rush
that comes with using her power
to absorb people’s abilities

involuntary catch of breath
crackle of static through her hair

he expecting to remain impassive
like the metal that has replaced his
long-lost star-crossed humanity

unmoved by physical contact
artificial heart steady in its measure

instead something
lost or forgotten
wakes after so many years

altruism and self-sacrifice
passion and warmth

if she can still see the difference
between right and wrong
she might still make a choice

if he can still be moved
by another person’s touch
there may still be hope

if a stranger in a snowstorm
can stir such feelings
in the heat of battle

if he is still capable
of this quickening
though laced
with unfeeling circuitry

if she is still capable
of this recognition
despite her
supervillain lifestyle

they both have much
to think about

and more than enough
reason to stop fighting