how had i
failed to recognize
her
as she slipped down
the stairs.
i could not speak or
move.
i had dwindled to almost nothing.
i know i tried to say
everything
right from the start.
i know that there are girls far prettier than me and
far prettier than you.

at a certain distance she looks
far and miserable
but walk up
to her and there is
something cosmic and
unhinged.
there is a critical beauty
and there is the Earth and
it has filled with love
like a heart.