man cast in the role of
former neglected shelter dog
that just wants to exist
in the same space that you do,
lean into the soft palm
of your hand when you
cup his cheek

man cast in the role of
darling bardling, dressed
in bright colors, lute in hand,
plays until his fingers bleed
and bows with the strings
stained red, again and again

man cast in the role of
cowboy, once an outlaw,
now just wants a rocking chair
on a front porch next to yours,
twists forget me nots into
your flowing hair, and his ***
knee hurts when it rains, but
that’s okay

man cast in the roll of
pirate, married to the swell
of ocean waves against the
sides of a weather-beaten ship,
*** in his flask and sea salt
wound into long beard and longer hair,
jolly roger flapping proudly in the wind

man cast in the role of
court jester, lover, clown,
once a fool always a fool,
for the *** and the ***** and that
cheap beer that makes him think
of you

won’t ask what you two are
when your hands brush just so,
but will smile to himself and take
a pull from the bottle in the
same place your lips once touched