coda

you are like a lover to me:

you, me,

us. I have been sitting

across from you,

time passing,

observing your move

and fall fall

falling, the turn of your

flame-head, framed.

now, nestling your face

in my lap, passing time,

watching, watch watch.

I want to stroke

your cheek, run my finger

on bone, hold hold,

holding. I feel warmth,

yet colder than stone;

stone-grey tones flicker,

your face is fading,

faint, fainter.

ah, I will miss you,

you were

like a lover

to me.