angst cycle (iii) — [Ʀ] (viii)

tease her with stories and poems
in a language she doesn’t understand
so she hears the passion in your voice
and doesn’t realise
you’re telling her your mother’s love
of cleaning out the stables

then admit the truth
and make her laugh
and she’ll remember the passion
and the laugh
and never be quite sure
about the tale

unless she meets your mother
and if she does
think

remember
she’s there
like you
for her love of poetry
let her speak her love
let her tell you
the poems that give her passion
let her hold your eyes
let the love of language
translate

and if it doesn’t
well
that’s life
but you&rsquo'll both feel
a cheer
at the words
at the moment
you made and gave