[Maria]

KNOWING YOU COULD IS BETTER THAN KNOWING YOU WILL
by Mark Bibbins

I must see you; let’s meet at the fringes of respectability
at quarter past nine. We could straddle the oft-licked
curb (it’s the repetition we like). I promise not to say
anything louche when you buss the backs of my fingers.

What is that noise coming from the other side of the river—
maybe pavement being set perfectly straight or a woozy guitar.
In light like this we become automatic and can reach each other—
what a difficult noise to hold and clearly making love is all that.

Juiced, I’m sure we’re taller than before and don’t miss
what we’ve lost. Meanwhile the streetlights blush
in their globes as if they could tell how the party towed us
along like a chain of rollerblading kids latched onto a bus.

Later let’s go swimming down by the electrical plant
since as you know the water runs out warmest from its pipes.
Bring on the horse tranquilizers
for my listing heart is pecker-fretted, truculent and true.