Wire and String

The walls are plastered
with wasted dreams
covered over in paint,
but the color is still uneven –
we never stopped believing
even though there were deterrents,
currents and willful waters
wearing us out with an undertow.

So we drew stripes on the tiles like tigers
and ripped out all the sockets
to look like spiders working their way
out of woodwork that will never be wood.

And you can’t tell me why we ended up
at the edge of the crack that runs
from the door to the kitchen
and back again with more conviction
than had ever been in your voice
when you used to tell me you loved me
and would always be happy
as long as we were together.

We’re still together, but weights
are weighing and waiting works wonders
only until you’ve wasted your will just
waiting, wrapped up, getting wasted,
and smoking too many cigarettes.

Just give us some time to fall
in love, with our new apartment.

02.21.2010