I have to tell myself

or I have to be told
that people die
and do not stand
greek statues for ever.

I feel this most of all
when I am standing still myself
like this
now.

Yet I love to stand on ceremony
it is part of my deepest learning
and when I am stoney-faced
and you believe me solid
I am pleased.

I love to stand on you
but you love to stand on me
to be sure of your weight
and I hate you for it
for reminding my soft bones
that they bend
for wounding me into involvement

and for ending my cold
and catatonic wait
I love you.

______