I am broken through the teeth
you pull, and inside my small and difficult
madness I lay turbulent, when

during the night, I’ve had my last fight
to pick, with strangers who come in
dreams and with my dignity leave just as

suddenly. And I can’t fall through
spaces and conjure up spirits when I am
with you, because oh so careful I need to be  

with you, and in front of you I don’t want
to stumble and break. You are so precious and
delicate a moment to keep behind glass

for days, before I feel the need to fracture,
to crack, you again. And here I sit, knowing this covert escape
will pass, wishing I could leave with

something that would last, but I can’t
think of anything that isn’t like the snow. So pure and
beautiful when you are there but when

we hug and you depart, I’m left feeling
wet and bare.


© 14 August 2005