you come into the room,
and i must pretend i am not part
of you —
see you here,
and all the chairs, tables,
rickety legs are you,
i cannot touch the world.
cannot place my hand
upon your chest,
your cheek,
rub across your brow;
place the crown of laurel.
light is yours,
perhaps that’s why
these shadows over
light must be my
own quick dread —
fear you’ll leave
before
i see enough of you,
to see at all.
- 23.03