The Thing Is

you can never make the choice
to leave your body behind.
You can never just get over it.
She has been with you
     from the beginning.

And the same soft and youthful
lips that were kissed once and
many times inappropriately, now
aged and hardened with secrets,
are still expected to speak the sharp
and laboring truth that carries
your soul—that also you can’t just
get over—that also has been with you
     from the beginning.

-M.