GIVERS AND TAKERS

Since you’re not Codeine,
Two Years Ago, Morphine,
or Just A Bad Dream.
I keep Myself to Myself

Because I am a good listener.
If I have words they are best held
for brakes that never warn you
they are tired; birds who nest in the soffits
and other emergencies of leisure.

I’ll give you ears, proper timbre and tonality;
my full weight against your arm until it’s limp
and damp, pocked in a rash the shape of my locs
spread loose, taking what I needed from you
in gratitude.