That Fine Line


    i	

	you question my favorite
	ice cream flavors--
	french vanilla
	heavenly hash
	mint chocoloate chip

	you compare our heights
	our tastes
	in music and authors

	you discover subtler things--
	my willingness to try
	the limits of my patience--
	and draw out the slow smiles
	that refuse to hide


    ii	
	
	you're taking my measure--
	as if i should already know
	the answers that lie behind
	your questions and comparisons
	that so pique my curiosity--

	as if you're waiting for me
	to recognize the epiphany
	that crawled inside you
	and refused to let go


    iii	

	you share your dreams and old lovers
	like warnings--

	as if you think their existence
	may somehow deter me 
	or tip my scales 
	for or against you--

	then drop hints
	hidden in anecdotes and stories
	on how to handle you
	in the long term


    iv	
	
	your keys--deadbolt and doorknob--
	hang beside mine
	you asked me to keep them near
	at all times
	and sometimes i don't know why


    v	

	i'm glad to listen to learn you--
	i miss your old balcony for that
	the steps outside your front door
	are less apt
	for dialogues and confidences--

	but now i can't find the line
	and i don't know what to make of that
	or of you
	anymore


    vi

	i could love you
	if i let myself

	and sometimes
	that is enough