Black & white & translucent,
the opposites of you once
rolled through the binders
lining my shelves.
Negatives.
I used to take your picture
so that I could keep you.
Now, the curling streams
of images spread themselves
out on your floor
beneath your dry hands,
catching with paper cuts--
you’ve taken you back.
Still I’ll remember how
you once gave me the pleasure;
looked into the lens,
eyes wide,
allowing me yourself
in the only way you knew
I knew how.
the opposites of you once
rolled through the binders
lining my shelves.
Negatives.
I used to take your picture
so that I could keep you.
Now, the curling streams
of images spread themselves
out on your floor
beneath your dry hands,
catching with paper cuts--
you’ve taken you back.
Still I’ll remember how
you once gave me the pleasure;
looked into the lens,
eyes wide,
allowing me yourself
in the only way you knew
I knew how.
