Breaking Again

“Tell me a story…”

Lighthousekeeping

Thank you for taking me to the Moth last night. I do have money for you for my ticket. I’m

sorry I forgot to give it to you.

Wil’s breaking project essay is as much a reflection of him as you as me. I am beginning to

break old habits.

At the start of my life and at the start of the summer, I said no to you. I held you at a distance.

How does a double negative mean differently than a yes? I think double negative implies change

and counterfactuals. Not no, in silence’s stead.

I am afraid you will break my brain, the red and gray place in my head.

Holding Pattern is the name of a series of poems in my dissertation. They are old love poems

(baltic isopods). I have been avoiding them this summer. They need revision, I know, but I was

afraid of confronting old feelings. I have been avoiding the old man (object) of the poems as

well. He is on island; we have been friends. After listening to you last night, I feel less afraid.

Even braided and soldered sterling silver will unravel now and again.

I love how responsive you are to my writing. I love how responsive your body is to mine. I love

that you said, “Descartes was wrong,” in bed.

“This is not a love story, but love is in it. That is, love is just outside it, looking for a way to

break in.”

Lighthousekeeping