Always You Ask Me... Poem by RIC BASTASA

these had always been the same questions
despite our being together

'do you really love me? and i am caught
with the same answer
'...so much', with a pause and a gaze beyond
the bareness of your back
and the softness of your hair
the sweetness of your cheeks

and you know it well
that when we kiss i close my eyes
as though there is no other option

sometimes i feel guilty though
about this dichotomy of my brain and my heart
two mistrusting friends
who cannot really love each other
but cannot live apart

i put my arms around you
as though you are one of my planets
and i am your only sun.