Fuck
Companionship!
Some days I think
That the companionship argument is valid—
I think this when I struggle to
Change the light bulbs
Fix the leaking gas tube
Whup the recalcitrant carpenter's ass
Or win a “couples only” lucky draw
pass.
These things I cannot do alone.
These things defeat me.
So perhaps it would be nice
To have a man to take care of me
There is perhaps magic
In matched footsteps on quiet walks.
But on most days I think—
Fuck companionship!
I want adventure everyday.
I want seduction every moment.
I want the lightning jolt of awareness.
I want hot kisses in dark autos.
I want warm breath and cool fingers.
I want the selfish urgency of need.
I want the suffocating weight of desire.
I want smiles that light up rooms.
I want jokes that stop the heart.
I want banter, sharp as a knife.
I want ideas, bright as stars.
I want ideals, hopeless and impractical.
I want big surprises, silly gestures.
I want love—
Reciprocal, simultaneous, practical, all
consuming love
To move the world and
Keep the fires of the universe burning
Is it too much to ask?
When it’s over…
I've had many lives this lifetime
And many loves;
Bells chimed, thunders struck
Passion frothed in violent surges.
Laughing, giddy, sparkling world
Darkness and despair of betrayal;
I have stalked, obsessed, fought
Wept and wore friends' ears off.
Sighs, moans, warmth of arms
Walked endless desert of loneliness.
But this is new, my erstwhile love,
This dispassion and distance I feel.
When did it die, my epic saga?
When did you grow two clay feet?
It sputtered out, like a lamp sans oil
You poor bastard, I'm not even angry.
Immigrant Birds
Dear little bulbul
Brown of head and red of vent
You were single, sometimes two
Through spring and summer
I have pictures too--
Now there are four of you!
Did you bring your family?
From your village, afar and dusty
Like all immigrants do.
Beware of this city’s sons
They don't like folks like you!
I
waited for Dawn
I waited all night for it to be dawn
Sky maiden to blush at first touch of sun
Slumbering buildings to wake up and yawn
Neighbor's kitchen to rattle and go on
I wanted streetlights to lose to the big guy
on top
Birds to come out in force chirping non-stop
Faces at windows with quiet morning cups
Joggers and walkers with brisk new steps
I hoped for first light to kill my dark night
Rambling big thoughts mocking sleep's might
Whispers of yearning, sighs of regret
Tossing within limits that my mind has set.
I held on for the enchanting light of day
To make the talons of the night go away
It's shadows conquered, no longer in sway
And to see the romance in life's engaging way.
Comments