Elegant spasms of emotion flicker across my face

When I’m whole awake on moon-filled nights

Frost collects in the cracks of the windows.

How long have I run around numb?

How long have I let love run down?

How long have I exchanged love’s joys

For the satisfaction of not even trying,

While slowly plodding to God and Antarctica

On a scooter?

When I’m in a yearlong dream at night,

My prayers and fears parade past me.

I need someone to help me,

Help pull me through

The pain of another—

Whenever I think of their

Achy lives,

I try to say a prayer for them,

It all seems so empty.

How can I take care of all their aloneness?

How can I look all this violence in the face?

How can I go on?