I dreamed I was a mannequin in the pawnshop window

of your conjectures.

I dreamed I was a chant in the mouth of a monk, saffron-robed

syllables in the religion of You.

I dreamed I was a lament to hear the deep sorrow places

of your lungs.

I dreamed I was your bad instincts.

I dreamed I was a hummingbird sipping from the tulip of your ear.

I dreamed I was your ex-boyfriend stored in the basement

with your old baggage.

I dreamed I was a jukebox where every song sang your name.

I dreamed I was in an elevator, rising in the air shaft

of your misgivings.

I dreamed I was a library fine, I’ve checked you out

too long so many times.

I dreamed you were a lake and I was a little fish leaping

through the thin reeds of your throaty humming.

I must’ve dreamed I was a nail, because I woke beside you still

hammered.

I dreamed I was a tooth to fill the absences of your old age.

I dreamed I was a Christmas cactus, blooming in the desert

of my stupidity.

I dreamed I was a saint’s hair-shirt, sewn with the thread

of your saliva.

I dreamed I was an All Night Movie Theater, showing the

flickering black reel of my nights before I met you.

I must’ve dreamed I was gravity, I’ve fallen for you so damn hard.

All You Ask For is Longing New and Selected, Boa Editions Ltd 2014

Sasha Sings the Laundry on the Line, Boa Editions Ltd 2010