the distant

you watch
as he removes his pants
leaves them
clumped on the floor
you try too hard
to fix the scene
of his nakedness
into picture perfect
when he lies down
his shirt unbuttoned
and motions
come here
you walk slowly over
kneel by his side
take him in
as a manner of speech
will the day
break forth toward
forgetfulness
you find
you have to know
later he cups your ears
presses himself deeper
demands a meaning
from your open mouth
sirens carry their sorrow
in the distance
a man on a motorcycle
stretched dead
like discarded clothes
his head split open
words silent
in their bleeding forth
don’t answer the phone
don’t move
let him feel the pressure
your words
tongue this afternoon
over his body