German Mythology or When You Traded Me for Ideas
we settled on
Berlin
where the bullet holes make walls to play
Pyramus and Thisby
two years of marriage it took
two years to sit still
two years to date the wrinkles on my fingers.
it was easier when the snow fell
it was quiet
my toes clung to the bed
and I stared at the nightshade [so long]
that it danced in the air
and took a bow quickly;
an embarrassed little sweet
you were the study's Medusa.
you brought the keys to your face
at our desk
they fit inside your mouth
and their teeth screamed
- a chorus for everyman
my dear ruddy-faced glutton.
you would ingest my right toe
given the chance
because it is mine
because we share the same sanctuary
of sleep
but you don’t touch me anymore.
i feel sexual only for ‘in a sentimental mood’
[you drove me to it]
i trade valves for honesty
honesty for depth
depth for Rothko
oh shallow greed! you weep.
my disbelief, my packed heart
owns no creation
love needs no saviors.