I wanted to be sure to reach you
                                       after Frank O'Hara

My valley at peace with unforgetfulness
green yes
my ignorances        retreat
your river retreats
and your reasons   (It wasn't my unokayness)
—But to go away!
All cords still in me          ankle waist and wrist
and eyecords              Not to see you!
Or you to reach me, so
with our townspeople, at last we could rest.
But to you I offer (forgive me)  (River)
what would not go over.

Copyright © 2005 Jean Valentine All rights reserved
from 5 AM
Reprinted by Verse Daily® with permission