Even Now

1 Him

My soul says, Run,

even if it costs you money and love

So says my soul

But I don’t move an inch, I can’t

Because my soul, the snake, is still mad about that little

black-haired bitch!

2 Her

An evening like any other. Nothing

to tell me you were present in the world.

I received no notification

I could have missed you

I could have stayed home that afternoon,

fallen ill, met your cousin instead of you

Someone else would have taken me that night

Isn’t it better to be made of stone?

Or am I glad it was you?

It’s better to be grass

People mow it, weed it and

it grows wild again, never the same.

4 Him

People say that a man

who has been bitten by a mad dog

sees the image of the beast

in water everywhere

Have the teeth of rabid love sunk into me,

that in the vastness of the sea, the river’s

whirlpools and the glass from which I drink,

I cannot escape your image

smiling up at me?

5 Her

Marsha said, He’s too old for you. Imagine!

Knock it off, I said. Next thing you’ll say

I can’t forget my dad. Come on!

But I still think Marsha’s great. Lovely, really

’Cept when she gets like that …

You’re old, my beetle, yes, but you find your way in me.

No one finds their way as easily as you.

Wait, I have to do my nails. Now? Yes, right this moment.

Wait, I said.

(“I’ve got him where I want him,

like a beetle on a pin.”)

9 Her

Dear bumpkin, I won’t be beautiful when I’m old

Hurry,

caress the eyes of my breasts

22 Him

Yes, your eyes sparkle star-like everywhere!

And you make me your captive

when you dance with another!

It’s true, it’s true, your secret hair

burns on the lips of your lovers!

But soon (so very soon, my bunny rabbit)

you’ll see them land on the moon on TV.

And what will still be shining then,

there in your room?

The diamond in your ear and nothing else.