Ask Me To Grow Old Poem by Ella Veyes

Someone wearing the same socks as you
on the tube.
What is that?
Is that missing you?

Watching the way your body talks and
your hands move.
What is that?
Is that lusting you?

Long running baths at midnight and short
sleeps at noon.
What is this?
Is this leaving you?

For in case you come over, making
too much food.
What is this?
Is this scaring you?

Imperfect rhymes, dryer ink, paper
damp with hume.
What is that?
Is that finding you?

Scraping beneath my fingernails to
make some room.
What is that?
Is that needing you?

Take blades out your razors; pretend to
shave my roots.
What is this?
Is this feeling you?

Shade in pigments of your eyes so they
can't be used.
What is this?
Is this hating you?

Touch nothing 'til I touch you. Pray for
it in mute.
What is that?
Is that wanting you?

Not knowing which words to use. Knowing
I love you.
How about this?
Is this that too?