Variations on a Theme

Distance

1.

I am in the middle of a rift,
walls collapsing.

All around me, I seek your voice, an oxygen
line direct from the surface.

You promised this, only, if nothing
else.  Intentions are delicate flowers.

I am railing against the soft rubble of 
nothing.


2.

You live on the other side of a
continent.

Between her fine hair and mine, you 
seek her, while drawing country lines,
saying that her borders are nowhere near.

The spikes burn at the sole.  Inadvertent,

I kiss her, through you, transferring
desire.

          I am Kali.  I am the whore that 
you are.  I am every woman, except the 
one close enough to feel your breath at 
night.


3.

Her kisses are as close as the corner 
store.  Mine are atop Kilimanjaro, for
all that matters.

They drill spikes into my head.  They 
strike the steel pins, while 
laughing over cups of espresso.

I picture you in that shop with one --
or perhaps in a private room -- or walking 
along the boulevard ... which will it be tonight?

Each fraction of the clock is full 
of scenarios.