New Baroque

Poem from Poems of Erosion

It was Madrid
ember
in the eyes.
My toxic
apartment
the walls
the window
everything on fire
except
that marble step
before your door.
There I sheltered
my face against the floor
like a blind dog
seeking the cold
the only cold surface
left
in the world.

I heard your voice
distant
alien.
Your voice with others.

I made no noise.
I was
so close
only the marble
knew.