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
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