Untitled [You did say, need me less and I'll want you more]

Marilyn Hacker

 
You did say, need me less and I'll want you more.
I'm still shellshocked at needing anyone,
used to being used to it on my own.
It won't be me out on the tiles till four-
thirty, while you're in bed, willing the door
open with your need. You wanted her then,
more. Because you need to, I woke alone
in what's not yet our room, strewn, though, with your
guitar, shoes, notebook, socks, trousers enjambed
with mine. Half the world was sleeping it off
in every other bed under my roof.
I wish I had a roof over my bed
to pull down on my head when I feel damned
by wanting you so much it looks like need.
 
From Love, Death, and the Changing of the Seasons (New York: Arbor House, 1986). Copyright © 1986 by Marilyn Hacker. Reprinted with the permission of Frances Collin Literary Agency. All rights reserved.

Poems by This Author

Against Elegies by Marilyn Hacker
James has cancer. Catherine has cancer
Cleis by Marilyn Hacker
Coda by Marilyn Hacker
Maybe it was jet lag, maybe not
For K. J., Leaving and Coming Back by Marilyn Hacker
August First: it was a year ago
Iva's Pantoum by Marilyn Hacker
We pace each other for a long time.
Morning News by Marilyn Hacker
Spring wafts up the smell of bus exhaust, of bread
Nearly a Valediction by Marilyn Hacker
You happened to me. I was happened to
Syria Renga by Marilyn Hacker


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