please understand
that your smile is no promise,
your greeting is not a contract
and i know
there is nothing lasting in the way you look at me.

please understand
that silence is a treasure
i will spend
on these conversation minefields
we work and work only to find
small implosions,
and the bitter taste of the words we never said
slipping down our throats.

please understand
that i pray sometimes to your hands
that destiny lines palms and ***** fingernails
will raise me up
and grasp my own in
this holy handshake

please understand
that though these constellations
are just a child's whimsy,
stick figure madness in the sky
i see that starlight in your eyes,
in that temporary look you send me
that look that says-
for now and no longer-
you do.