If the air was snow
and the trees black
with age

then your shoes were
cherries wound up
with strips of sky

If I notice your shoes
and say nothing but
mask the quiet tiny
feeling that I like them
(but not as much as you)

then is it remotely
possible that you, too,
are masking something
lovely and small (could
it be for me? or no)

If I said penny for your
thoughts (but would be
willing to pay much more)

then would you smile
and tell them to me
with ease (or keep
your lips locked and your
smile flat?)

If I wore my favorite
blue shirt (do you
remember me saying it
was my favorite?)

then would you notice it was
the color of the edges of
a winter sky or would you
realize it is the color of
my eyes (when I smile)
(which you are wonderfully
good at making me do)