…And then we lay still in our bluestem fortress.
Nearby are headstones, leaning and sinking.
…An apple in hand, a hat that reads SPORT,
“So what are you, really?” he asks like a sphinx.
…………….“That’s,” I laugh, “what the miser said
……………….When sophomore year I played
…………….The cloaked and tight-lipped dead-faced
…Ghost of Christmas Future: Remember my winging,
Straight at Scrooge, one long-nailed finger?”
…A friendly tease is a pleasing thing.
I watch his teeth break the apple’s skin,
…………….And with mineral glamor he arches a brow.
……………….“One year,” I add, “I wore a cloud
…………….Of beard and played the shouting
…Cheddar-loving cruise-ship castaway—”
“Always,” he asks, “bit parts?” “Always,” I say, “a mask”—
…And he kisses me right on the lips. Cottonwood cotton
Drifts on the draft like a pillow’s been shot.
…………….“Once,” I say, “they cast me as ‘singer,’
……………….COUSIN ROY, COUNTRY SINGER
…………….WANNABE.” His smile lingers.