Steve Malmude, p.5



I NOW SWEAR

Because
I read widely
and was
carried away

pounding
at a desk
the center
of existence

I held
to the habit
of longing
for someone

to whom
I now swear
that texture
is no problem

it’s softer
when I say
the mood
is off me

but because
I am being eased in
backs
stiffen.