Amber Fall

Shaking in the bed like this, I have never been truer.
On the way to freezing. Sun, tree: I leave. Wanted to eat
As much as possible. Always the biggest scoop. Scattered leaf.
And we said hi to the birds. That I know forever.
There is a point to being like this for you in a way
That there is rarely a point to being in any other place.
We took the bus. Playground bars, metal smell on skin.
I could say anything and you’d hear it; the rain
Crisps the wide-open earth like dentist’s tools, you could
Say anything and I’ll hear it all. Only not that. Yes, come back here.
From the true story I’ll pluck the fruit. Then lie and wait.
Oh when? For you always. Wait where you held me.
Oh where? Blankets. Sun, no sun, the wind. I remember
I was scared. We’ll wait it all out. Didn’t like the bugs
But I couldn’t see them anyway. It’s all okay. Say anything
And I will wait up. In the bed, the chair, my dear.
Lay down to wait for you, the bark. That I know. I will soon
Stop shaking. Watch me stop it. Here, like this, I can do anything.

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