to endlessness, the unseen rope
braids into each design: that knot
worked into a garment’s collar,
the crack in the pavement’s back.
Each cheek I kissed in turn, now
kissed by other mouths— I flew
as high as I dared toward the sun;
as long as I could, I kept
you in my sight. I fought
the numberless solitude of days
that breathed too close,
too hot against my nape;
but yield to its stern offices,
every now and again.
In response to thus: ehi.