Read me* say your eyes
from behind their dismal
death-shroud.
Read,
but
don't
touch.

Your face rigid
and
drawn
says
look inside
but
not too deep

Read me say your eyes.
Read
but
don't
touch.

As you walk, your body tries
to fold into itself. I'm lonely
but
keep distant.

Read me say your eyes
read
but
don't
touch.

Your voice
(when it speaks)
is
a splintered trace.
I need no one it whispers.

Read me say your eyes.
Here is
my most buried
thought. Read me,
but
don't open. Read,
but don't touch.
I want no part
of you,
but
you can have
this part of me
to read
and
like a long,
too-complicated
poem
not understand.

Read me say your eyes.
*Read,
but
don't
touch.