Measuring Love

In my unreasonable fondness
for his chewed-up pens?

In his sitting, always, by my side
until I fall asleep?

In nine-hour long-distance conversations
about politics, rather than relationships?

In the curl of hair on his chest,
and the strength of his hands?

In blond

brown

hair, soft in my fingers; in a thumping heart under my ear?

I am comparing pounds and liters, inches and centimeters.

How to measure

who I love

more?

 

*****

 

8/11/1998