And Don’t Think I Won’t Be Waiting

I am supposed to say
it doesn’t matter look me up some
time when you’re in my neighborhood
needing
a drink or some books good talk
a quick dip before lunch—
but I never was one
for losing
what I couldn’t afford
from the beginning
your richness made my heart
burn like a roman candle.

Now I don’t mind
your hand on my face like fire
like a slap
turned inside out
quick as a caress
but I’m warning you
this time
you will not slip away
under a covering cloud
of my tears.