Is there any other way? Do
I have to drink this drink? Is this
The plan, the blueprint: Loneliness -
Relationships that fizzle out
Like the last legs of a votive,
Or blow like a supernova,
Destroying everything that could
Be and wiping out what was? It's
A bitter draft. Is this the cross
You made for me: To go on this
Trip with transient companions
Who appear suddenly and go
Just as quickly? It's a splinter.
But if this is what you want, what
Can I do? What else can I say
But "Go ahead?" This bitter draft
May be the medicine needed
To cure the curse and this splinter
The thorn needed to remember
To look up to find the hand that
Hospitably offers the cup.