How Can I Poem by Eila Mahima Jaipaul

how can I.
how can I compare
these mud eyes
to passion past
with beauty that would make even you
believe in the existence of God.

how can I.
how can I hold
this paltry flame
to one who surely moved your world
with her body
sinuous curves
sublime pleasures given and received
in a way I had only hoped
but will never achieve.

how can I.
how can I think
to dare claim
any part of you as mine
when in the pre-dawn light
I am cast aside unwanted
despite my small mewings
and clearly invisible attempts
to garner your attention.

how can I.
how can I believe
the simple words you utter
knowing you scarcely believe them
yourself.

how can I think
to entice you from your world
with my woeful gifts of body
my face that lacks beauty beyond denial
with my poetry unanswered
with my words of love
stuck to the roof of my mouth
with my touch
that turns your skin cold
how can I even wish
how can I even hope
how can I?