Post-its

Do you know what its like

to be able to give you

nothing?



For what could I give,

I who have sat in dirty robe with cigarette butt,

hearing your stories from a lifetime ago?



A lifetime ago, I would've known what to give:

sonnets, clean feet, a warm neck.

Stories, laughter, smokeless breath.



A lifetime ago, we would've had whole afternoons,

Laughed over things we wouldnt put on our blogs,

made coffee and petted the sleeping cat. Or dogs.



A lifetime ago, I wouldve ensured smooth skin

and punctuality on msn.

A lifetime ago, all the men in the stories wouldve been you.



A lifetime ago, we may not have met.

you had your happiness and I had mine.

But now they've gone and—relatively-- it's just you and me.



we met like two druggies in a dark corner.

Our understanding began when we compared scars

and laughed at the funny shapes they left.



We pointed at each other's words in silence

awknowledging the one who would not return

and the clean bandages we refused to use.

On the nights you had to howl

I waited below, paws numb even before the snow fell,

for what comfort could I offer, I whose turn was next?


Do you know what its like

to be able to give you

nothing?



There are no flowers. But there is weed.

There is no fruit. Just dried lonely seed.



Two Quioxtes or two Sancho Panzas?

Im not sure at all, at all. Saddle-sore, I only know

we have cursed both windmill, and rusty 'amour'.



Now we sometimes frolic. All teeth and snarls and laughter,

like cubs in spring. Like spring, it does not last.

Night comes, and the snow hides your prints from me.


Do you know what its like

to be able to give you

nothing?



No virginity. No silken locks.

No rings. No matching socks.


What love-name could I call you that she hasn't?

What part of me could you touch that he hasn't?



What could I give you?

A cig when you were out, but

You dont smoke Camels, and I dont smoke Marbs.


Perhaps a back rub?


a sandwich


a crossword


hugs


Bad yoda imitations


(love you I do)


A lifetime ago, we may not have met.

you had your happiness and I had mine.

But now they've gone and relatively,

its just you and me.


A lifetime ago we would not have met.

I hold this thought like a raindrop,

and nod an ok to

the grey sky, and sun that's set.