the slow sluff

complacent, dispassionate, dutiful
I keep trying to get down with you
even far away, you’re there when I decide

little things,
and when I cry,

lay it straight and calm and
more respectful than I’m capable of being

more humility than I have
passion for both of us,
calmness to qualm us,

strength to carry us further
in this world alone or
better with you.

November 2013