You say you're too tired
To even smile,
These days you fantasize
About naps,
Not me.

Baby has our life in limbo.

I try to help,
But it's always the wrong thing,
The wrong way.
Hey dear, I'm new at this.
Remember?

I miss your touch,
I'm desperate for anything
From you:
The time and attention
You used to give
To my heart,
To my thoughts,
To my *****.

I'm withering on this vine.

But I understand, my love,
There's so much more to this
Than me.
You look equally lost
In your role as a new mother,
And you complain far less.

I love our child,
Just as importantly, I love you.
I may not know how to do
Everything just right,
But you can count on me.
We'll find a way together,
And one day we might even
Find time to sleep.

And sleep together we shall,
Just as it once was,
Albeit much more quietly.
For now a kiss
And game plan will do.

Then let's get to work!

Little girl runs screaming to mother
about her encounter
with the ribbon man

Teenage girl believes herself
free to be a trampoline
offering all sorts a rugged bounce

Newly installed queen
rules over her anathema and sacrilege
with shiny neurotic scepter

Powerless to discern
shelter from serpent

Incapable of entering
into the kingdom of love

No matter how
high we fly,
at some point, it seems,
you and I
must return to the ground.
But weep not,
upon love's reentry
what didn't burn off
in the atmosphere
is ours to keep.

Children in exile
Playing with fire
First to call attention
To their plight
Then to warm
The stark cold nature
Of their soul
Marooned too long
The flame became
The color of their madness
--who would rule as lord
--who would roast as pig