(writ back in 2002)
and once more
and once more
the curl inward
the bruise beneath skin
the white shock of breath held
as hope of love dissolves
and once more
and once more
as if tears could help
as if seeking could make found
as if companionship was ever in reach
as if I were not old and odd and poor and picky
and once more
and once more
————-
JHM 2002
