.

memories (i never had)

i can feel the taste of tears
rising in my throat
      swallow
keep it down
we don't want to wake the neighbors
with our sympathies
      our word addictions
for the faceless names
that have snuck from between the dusty pages
grabbed our hands
      and led us on a merry dance
through the dark apple tree forests
shadows in the moonlight
      no reflections in their empty eyes

i reach out my hand
grasping for yours in the dark
the figure in the chair by the pool
      looking out over the sea
not touching
not speaking
      but it is only fiction
that holds us apart
      and your face is just a suggestion
over the sound of crashing waves
close my eyes
      and smell the salt
feel the whisper of your skin
as you pass by
      into the settling night







march 2, 2004
1:18 am