Valentine

published in Salt River Review and A Slant of Light (2013: Codhill Press)

in the woods, scratching the bark with my lonely fantasies, you

were always near, the one to decipher my messages. True, I would guide

you, you couldn't have found your way alone. I wouldn't have

wanted you to. I loved holding the secret.

It's been thirteen years to the day since your last letter came,

a forest fell out of the envelope, fire blew off the bush, you see

I do remember and handwriting like someone opening his veins.

The charms you enclosed ("spitted flames") looked like the rubies

my mother piled on for shopping tennis anywhere anytime

she didn't give a hoot for propriety.

They kiss-kiss when I put them on.

But that's not what I wanted to say. I'm writing you because

she died yesterday I think you should know that

she kept on asking me When for godsake you

going to marry that boy

so handsome and  lucky.

I didn't have it in me

to remind her you were dead.

So darling, should you meet her, I'm afraid

you have a little explaining to do.

I meant no harm by my deception, tell her that please,

and let me know

what she says because I hate to think this

is something you can’t read.