Twenty-Three (2009)

Twenty-Three

I have never spilt my heart across the table where you are
thrown caution to the wind, let you know that I am waiting
I have never sung your beauty in a crowded hall
shouted “To the world: Can you not see? There is no other.”
I have never left the sanctum of my solitary self
broken from this shell and found meaning in your meaning

Never stayed my gaze
when you looked back
Never stood my ground
when I attacked

I have never left a note upon your door
or whispered softly in your ear as I passed by
I have never touched you as I wanted to
tasted skin, breathed deeply of your breath
I have never shared a moment that was yours
Nor slept and dreamt a dream beside your dreaming head

Never stayed a shadow
in the light
never showed you shelter
through the night

I have been who I am, and I lived as I have lived,
Feel no sorrow for myself, though I have regrets to give
I have written you these words
and I know that you you will see
that while I am my own world
you could mean
the world
to me.