Unrequited

Unrequited

he’s come

to see her again.

(like a tongue that always worms

its way to the sore)

as if

there were points for persistence

as if

she were rote.

he’s come again

a fistfull of flowers

limp with sweat

shallow breaths propel

prepared speeches he licks

his lips like boots knock

at the door no one answers

he’ll be back.

he’ll count the stars for her

and name them:

Prometheus at the north;

Diogenes, the dog star;

the twins, Job and Sitva;

and Sissyphus

fading blue in the east.

Sd.