For My Mistress*

For My Mistress

How absurd at my age

For my breath to catch in my throat

Each time you enter the room.

My friends have no idea

Nor does she

But how long can they be blind

To the glow in our eyes

The secret glances

And caresses beneath tables

Where no one sees?

How foolish

To believe this can go on.

A secret that can’t be kept

How long until

Someone opens their eyes

And sees

How long, how long?

So juvenile

To daydream

When I have so much to do.

Like school days,

Daydreaming,

Waiting for the bell to ring.

I see no goals or tomorrows.

I see only a green pants suit

Careless thrown

Across the sheets of a bed

That can never be made.

MFM

Oct 26, 1974