When I look at a pool blue
sky, I see flesh, the dried sweat

in clouds. My thoughts are grotesque
to myself. Incense smoldering.

A trembling abstraction. I know–
in theory– I am not indebted

to you. The space beyond our knot
is eternal. Every night, my brain tells me

nothing may be beyond your control,
but each day I wilt at the irresistible.

(originally published in MONO., Spring 2022)