English as a Second Language

That voice—from the tv—that voice,

thick smoky cheese, or, no—

dark as burnt flan, sweet,

venison-sweet in the heavy smoke

of a tavern hearth, and hot as brandy.

I served that voice for months,

in a theater on 13th near Third

where losers are the ones who crack first.

I gave you azured hours, nights,

and you placed your soul,

pretty as a dead mouse, at my feet.

Gutturals, the candles guttering backstage.

Your voice went everywhere

you dared not put your hands.