page 77

She was bleeding
all over. Me
I lay quiet
listening to the blood
she bled the tears
and whatever else there was.
I remember now.
She said I
bleed because of you
yes, you don’t
bleed
at all
you don’t
love care think
bleed
you fuck
me
she said
cried and I bleed.
It was summer.
And hot and her
head was beautiful
in the light her body
if only she
wouldn’t cry or speak
or bleed I would.
Be the happiest
man. I came long ago
and was ready.