Observer

as we kissed I noticed
the dewlike snap
of our lips was not
caused by their
union

but by their parting,
and not by
your lips against mine,
but
the soft friction

of each pair, alone.

Summer Insects

now I know
why I didn’t call you:

ten minutes—
I was quiet so you’d have to
lean into the phone
and each syllable would
sound
exquisitely chosen,
but I can’t say
I meant
much
of it.

a fly scrapes its legs
on the patio table
and while you mew
about work and your mother
a sprinkler
swelters the grass.
I wonder how
I have begun
to sweat
without doing
anything.