The One Where We Inadvertently Look Like Lovers

My shot at a 'love' poem.

I want to show you

this picture I took of us

from the future.

I know you remember that day

as I have several more from the same series

on the sidewalk in New York City,

with me in my blue knit hat

and you turtled into your lightweight sweatshirt.

All the pictures look nearly identical

except this one is different

because it’s from the future.

My head had no place

resting under the crook of your chin yet,

at the time I snapped the shot.

We had only just met

and your face had no reason

to look so calm above mine

like it was.

That day was a month before we said

good morning during the first sip of coffee

and did not say goodbye

until we said goodnight.

Before I sent you a picture of myself

In a Minnie Mouse apron

and a pair of black spandex thermals

at your request.

That day was two weeks before you said

you don’t want to lead me on, we have to stop,

for the same reason that you said

just a few short hours after the flash

if it weren’t for your girlfriend

you would be kissing me beneath this awning

under the gaze of the streetlamps and the theatre marquee.

I didn’t know yet what your body looked like

beneath your oversized thrift store shirts.

Hadn’t seen those hips yet that compel me

to stick my hands into the earth

and roll a lump of clay between my palms,

because I have to sculpt you,

I have to sculpt you,

I have to lay you down in the kiln

directly above the fire.

And after you are done,

I would build a lean-to

In the crook of your perfect waistline

where I will spend the sands of my time

within your hourglass

until the last grain drops.

Then I will turn us over

and start again.

Reviews

[Suze]

A wonderful "love" poem - I really like how you repeat the line "I have to sculpt you" the way you do. Love, longing, hope - all these things are so present in your poem.