deep in the sweaty
jungle of my brain
as I sleep on silk down
you smiled at me, and
I loved you as I have not
loved any man in
many years; felt
that pang that pained me
in high school as I fell in love
again and
again and
again.

I followed you
through scores of doors
and crowded rooms as
you led me away.

Everything was familiar-
the light yellow wall paper,
scuffed marble floors,
dark hair, deep blue eyes
and wonderful soft lips-
so familiar but still,
a stranger;
a quiet indulgence
that leaves me energized,
confused,
elated at the memory
of panicked butterflies
in a long rusted cage.

I feel it all rush out of me
alone in the quiet of the dark
alone but seeping, silently
clawing the sheets.