Yes, we stopped a step away from love,
Our hearts held back by will, for each knew
Well whom the other did desire
Though the desired were far and away.
There was little difference between us.
Each sought a severance from the past, now
Tightly packed like a valise, with faces
Turned into beloved junk, a short lull,
A kind of rest, but while I stood at
Hotel counters, filling in my name,
He took his trips, leaving body behind,
Laying all of it, neatly on the bed.
That scented, kinky head, that cold, closed face.
That furrowed brow and those poor pale limbs . . .
Our hands were timid in love-play, moving
On the other’s skin, they knew they were but
Humble caretakers, for a short while allowed
To make their homes on another’s lot.