Athens - Anne Clark

And you wonder why

It’s no wonder

It’s so easy to carry these feelings from day to day

From sigh to heavy sigh

Don’t ask why

I’m just quiet in my mood

It’s my way

Apparently sullen, more probably shy

(Textbook assumptions for the weary of eye)

You earnestly try

To put into logic

The dense intensity

Meeting of minds

Try to make sense of the lengthening silence

That’s left me confused

The lengthening silence that makes ghosts out of time

Is it such a surprise?

I’m surprised!

I was captured from the moment

The instant I saw you

I never stopped trying

I haven’t stopped reaching out to you.

I…

But you

You’re thinking

Were you thinking that I…

Oh no!

You’re mistaken

It’s my nature

A cold pretence hides a fire inside

I’m afraid of the closeness

Of the pain it inspires

And now I…

Now I ache from the yearning

Want to know why

There’s no whisper, no trace, no word

No sign

Where if anywhere does presumptiousness lie —

There in silent panic or here with foresight?

The gift you gave tightens itself on my wrist

Is that all it meant?

Is there no more than this?

The tightening, tangling, turbulent night

Expanding the distance, extinguishing light

I’m alone here

I want you

Do you hear me?

Goodnight.