You love
me but I
can’t; I am
the new day
so say
goodnight, my heart

an eggshell, your love
a spoon, your face
like dust

“God, bless me”

II
Seven babies dancing
with sweat on brow
are builders
coming to break
the ground

as my rusty strings play
with fire; not Monopoly
or Sorry, pinball
heading off full tilt.
You say

you love
me but I
won’t.