you ask me why

we cannot make love

I have been ransacking you

for the answer



side by side we lay

not touching

listening to rain falling

in the darkness



where desire writhed there stands a stone

the change was sudden and complete



a serious question

we have turned out to ask

we have sought each other secretly

strong has been the urge

to lie naked facing fear



quietly and quickly

our sentences blaze trails upon the night

we are mates on a doubtful voyage



speaking sanely now

allotting no lovers advantage



my room is anxious to expel him

he hurrie~ to be free of my feelings



we wear our words

until he finally dresses

looking for his shoes

he is a shadow in my doorway