the expectations of reciprocity

laughter ensued immense
and she walked away
enthused, yet
cursory words lacked depth

no quiet of the mind
came forth, no soul
he follows as she
drifts away

though with this one
she sees bits and buttons
holding parts in place
when he speaks
the lines years etched
at corners
of his eyes, lips
as they move to
speak his heart

she gives without
the expectations of reciprocity

“Once inside, you’re afraid they find nothing to hold on to,” Cowboy Junkies’ Ring on the Sill

supernova

she not no big bang
supernova
firework display

love for her?
it the slow start
of lightin’ fire

that burns
only for you

curse the Other

when sorrow slipped
and anger fled
to calm
in the never-was
she’s not quite sure

but the moments
fleeting
into sweet smiles
with four legs
amidst recollections
waning
leave her

wondering
desirous just
to be let in
to hold you while you weep
and curse the Other

the bomb

where words lead
her little mind a wanders...

to laughter
to intimacy
to companionship
to...

the tensile strength of flesh between teeth
in that moment
before it gives
and she pulls away