THE THESPIAN
for Ali

I can’t do it anymore,
Being in love alone.
Because the sky weighs
Too much and the things
You want without me
Set my fields on fire.

Afraid — I told you that you were
Not in love with me anymore—
Your silence was my
Desolation —

So I left you and wandered
The courts looking for where
I lost you and angels of memory

Followed — pointing to moments that
Replay themselves on projectors — over
And over again. I call out your name

Down the same walkway I chased you.
“Alley Cat,” Hey, Alley Cat”

—That day I could have walked
away but didn’t .

The light from the projectors
Flicker like ghostly players on a
Stage and those watching clap
With glee —

While my fields are full
Of flames and rain is but a silly dream


Copyright 2006 c.a. leibow