WITH YOU

it was like
facing a pitcher
who tries to
not be under

stood. I was off
balance, couldn't
make out your
words on tape

felt, by the
end, like I
could have
been the

former pet,
favorite husky
of the explorer
who eats his

own dogs in
the Arctic

--Lyn Lifshin

WITH YOU (2)

I always felt
your beauty
could maim me,
leave me not

open to any
thing else
in the word
close enough

to kiss is
close enough
to blow off
we laughed

that day was
a moment ago
and over, and
what stays

the slow
motion splash

--Lyn Lifshin