I tried
like the movies try
to talk us into believing
in love.
I did the same
to veins
and vanity
by trying twice
to convince you
of my truth.
I now spit
on memory
just as face faith,
trying for god's sake
to give up,
for good or ill,
but failing every line,
every stanza,
every day.
so forgive my saying,
but I still dream
of you and 17th street,
and sleep with my mouth open.