i want you when you’re old and lonely and afraid

i want you when you’re old and lonely and afraid

(but ever defiant, ever joyful)

when you need a

love warm as a bath

i want you when your red hair is flecked with white

and your cheekskin is tissue paper

your eyes crinkling bright

autumn honey

i want you when you cry yourself to ancient sleep

and laugh at your slow hands,

but your ear is sharp and steady

i want you then, then

then

---

1999