Tuesday

Kallie Falandays

Misery like a white cloth Over her shielded back.

We are ugly Under the bedroom light.

Ugly when we love each other, When we don’t.

Partial spirit! Appear on command!

The thin skin of the self Tightens then later, slips

Like I do, like he— His glistening back

The only thing that holds light As he enters—careful!—

The water— Does. Cream-colored

Horizon through my window. Sound of rain

All lifetime long. If he’s holy

Then you are. There’s a chance,

Marguerite, We will become tangerines

And purse our lips Like that

For each other Every evening.

Velvet kisses, Kindred and lonely,

Crackling fires over your childhood bookshelf. Come here, Holy Beast,

I have something To show you.

If it is evening And he’s eating soup

Singing an old tune, I believe you.

If it’s evening and he says, I love you, darling,

Toward the wintering window, I love you, my dear,

Believe him. But covered in sleep like that,

We cannot say He is not turning a single flower

In his broken hand For me.