We are touching, shoulder to shoulder
Bound together by a thick, warm blanket,
The sea flings itself at the cliff over and over.
In the navy sky, a solitary star.
The words I didn't say lie between us.
You hear them in the silence, but refuse to listen
to the weight of their meaning.
My tongue lies dry and heavy in my mouth.
Your tears give your cheek a sheen.
Your face is like the moon, pale and shining.
I ache to touch you, to press my lips
against your pallid cheek and taste you.
You're thinking of her, her goldeness.
She is like the sun. She burns yellow, all heat.
I am thinking only of you, of always you.
I lace my fingers through your hair.
You could have me if you wanted, it would
take only a flex of your fingers to reach me.
But you stay still, cocooned in your sadness.
I untie my fingers from you hair, withdraw.
You squeeze my arm in thanks, then quietly go.
I sit alone, shivering undelicately, hands clenched.
The sea is roaring, roaring. And the words
"I love you" hang thick and ugly in the silken air.
