the dance

knowing at last why they say
you’re no good
she’s not in love with you
she’s never going to be
you can kiss her hand
brush away stray hairs
off her soft and damp cheek
until time stops counting
and the gravity means nothing
but she’s not going to love you

she can see
you kiss other cheeks
touch other elbows
trail your fingers over other arms
pat other knees
you are indiscriminate
with intimate
dealings
and discretion
is everything

when it comes to love

she knows better
than to fall needlessly
wantonly
into the arms
of another
like any other

© lily keller 2001

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