incomplete

in another life

you would be braver

and unflinching

in the face of desire

the only eyes

would be yours and mine

our meeting different

but unrepentant  

no tap on my shoulder

and tilting of your head

mouth bemused

enough

our struggle silenced

not wishing pain

on ourselves

we’ve suffered enough here

or perhaps cast you away

deep into the sea

with my other lost dreams 

into a watery mausoleum 

sleep sweetly my dear

until you are washed ashore

the memory worn away

like a pebble

and if my strength fails

I shall press my ear

to the shell on my desk

and hear your sighs

but in this life

I have no such luxury

and must learn too look

into your eyes and smile

your beauty has faded 

now I have seen you lie