swallows the apartment like
a hummingbird hunting

nectar. all jittering and
tongue lashed petals.

with you, the unqualified
columbine, purple seeping into

all your corners, rendering you
useless. the dishes have

never been cleaner because
he has to do something.

pushing against his need, his
longing, his silence. that day was

all dropped plates, like
purpose, wing beats like struggle.