I am waking alone, into a dream of myself

caressing your clay thigh in a shop window,

walking hand in hand with a folded magazine.

 

You have been bitter and firm / like a tomato

and I have cried, then finally agreed

Bursting with guilt that I could not love you.

 

I therefore love you now, from afar, safely

and will exercise / work / drive / visit /

smile… (and survive.)

 

One man is so small;

and I hide in pages of words

having no power.