by Leah Umansky

A friend says, you are so good at showing your love.

           It seems harmless,

but feels like a forecast,

           like soil that needs to be tilled.

                               *

She says, you are so good at showing your love,

           but I, I have to say

it also feels like a heart drowned,

           or an army of sinking ships.

                               *

I ask the world for what I want;

           I spin myself willing narratives.

If I could throw a shade over the heart,

           I would.

It would be easier

           (it would)

to love

less.