Friday, May 22, 2009

Letter to Chester Kallman


Letter to Chester Kallman

Empty apartment—New York City
I simply couldn’t stand it—any longer
I tried but it was—simply impossible
Things began to slide—friends noticed
Books & newspapers—piled up high
On the floor—dirty dishes constantly
Coming—out of fucked-up nowhere
But worst of all—I couldn’t stand it
Knowing you were—having a good
Time without me—that you were fond
Of me but didn’t—love me anymore
Maybe you never loved me—which
Is nothing new—but at least we
Had the same apartment—even
Listened to Strauss—and Stravinsky
Enjoying each other—me doodling
New York Times—crossword puzzles
While you brought home—sailors
And tricks—who robbed you blind
As well as me too—when you were
Drunk—and goodlooking getting
Anybody you wanted—then you got
bored—spent cold winters down in
Warm Athens alone—but not really
I was the one alone—regretting your
Absence until—it was all I could think
How could I go back—to hustlers after
Knowing you—how could I go back
To Ischia—sun-drenched Parthenopea
Nor Capri—Cult of Pleasure & short
But shapely—dark-haired young men
I wanted a Common Life—a simple
Living-room with you—that’s all
There in Kirchstetten—in the woods

No comments: