I must have back this breath
you take away
dryly
like wine.
Your love
is formidable, like night
and certain prodding
to sobs.
When you leave
it is with nothing left;
weird shadow
haunt the light
and gaunt reflection
in glass.
I have lingered
at my neighbor’s house
to steal from time
and her sorrows
I seek out strangers.
In my own house
I am stranger
to the thick presence
of your absence.
For these hours
I invent
importances.
