Tracy K. Smith

1972–

Credulity

We believe we are giving ourselves away,

And so it feels good,

Our bodies swimming together

In afternoon light, the music

That enters our window as far

From the voices that made it

As our own minds are from reason.

There are whole doctrines on loving.

A science. I would like to know everything

About convincing love to give me

What it does not possess to give. And then

I would like to know how to live with nothing.

Not memory. Nor the taste of the words

I have willed you whisper into my mouth.