you trace shapes across my skin;
shoulder blades of canvas,
          the small of my back your Starry Night--

oh yes, I overheard that
          perfect stars burn.
but it might be alright,
getting singed.

last night you let me dream you up,
and you looked me in my
black hole eyes.

with no shake in your voice,
and a sweet shake in your lips, you whispered
in the way you do:

"Let's spend all our money
on tattoos that look like
raindrops."

(we did)

in one blink I see--
the way you look in yellow,
the lids of your eyes.

you only snore the
first half hour after you're
asleep. I love you.

If I could stop the
stars from shooting, perhaps you
wouldn't bleed for them.

you earned your sadness,
but if only for tonight,
we live joyously.

the last drive away:
I never did mean to leave,
but I won't come back.