May Nash Poem by jackilton peachum

MAY NASH
(1968)
Henry, I've stocked in the beer you used to like--
a half-dozen cold bottles just waiting for you!
And the little tomatoes-- the other things.

Nights, I try to keep the lights on--
I always say, it is just for company.
Truth is, I'm afraid of the dark
not a presence in it-- the dark itself.

And lonely? Yeah, I think about another man sometimes--
or I might see someone I like
-- but it hardly seems worth it--
all that work!

Moments you kissed me rough
-- I met you head on, my blood up--
'Your honey of the afternoon, you said!

When I'm out at a restaurant or eating somewhere
I look across the table,
and often see you sitting there--
and a thousand memories ago I hear your voice.

The daytime afternoons are long, filled withe shadows--
a matter of finding something to do--
twilight means an early supper,
a television evening.


Late night
I put out my hand automatic--
to an empty space in the bed,
a cold place beside me--

I dreamthink
you just got up t' pee--
yeh, you'll be back,
just got up t' go pee--