I Am Trying To Write A Love Poem Poem by RIC BASTASA

it is about my ring finger
manipulating my right nipple
and i am imagining
more than what i can
to save me from another
sleepless night

soon i will have just what i need
a satisfaction without having to molest someone else
not to despise

this love poem is a fake.
it is utilitarian, narcissistic, and too unkind.
i refuse to understand it

our negligence is mutual.
you are sleeping in bed, snoring, and embracing yourself
feeling cold and coping up with anything to warm you
your own hands folded on your sagging
breasts.

i am writing a love poem with my shoes still
not detached from my feet.
i am imagining someone else.
Erotic like my own ring finger
pressing my nipple.

i may sleep beside you,
and you may, in sleep embrace me, and savor the warmth
of my torso,

but i am no longer yours. I am someone else.
I am an erection to the pillow
No more, no less.