complimentary
the old lady
in the store said
“your hair is beautiful”
i’ve been
struggling to sleep again
counting what fingers
i’d give to
see you
free in your skin
wondered why
nobody ever
borrowed
time alone
for the night
why always
someone else’s
could i borrow
a light
or an ear
but if i
borrowed today
to give back
the next
i wouldn’t have it
by tomorrow
or to see in me
required seeing
in someone else
like the lady
at the store
with beautiful silver hair









