the curtain, an elegy

Night is when we find our refuge
Four eyes, two mouths; no more.
I’ll hear later, tongues flapping
against their teeth, but I am unwilling
now. So porous is my place beside you.


No peaceful passing of well wishes,
this parting, a waiting for some
revelation, or realization that I’m
whole. We are four minutes after
snooze, a last thought before sleep.

And, then you said I love you.
And then? You said, I love you.

each like a phoenix, the page
too smooth for your own good and a
backtrack  to long-buried butterflies
--in my belly
left-handed shoulder angel or
misguided oubliet
--poorly placed, but
as always your timing is perfect
for the worst.

and still
i still