7 years 
(this is the history I wanted to relate)
when we met we were both almost done with 18
18 and I love you and the whole world
sent spinning like a clock wheel
and we were careless, of course
I have always been the feckless one
always the one to slip away
19 and I love you and the world
is slowing down now and we're
looking around
and not at each other
and off we go spinning away
of course it exploded.
(this is the history I wanted to relate)
19 and I hate you and the world
stopped between us, suspended
in the places we'd go no longer
I picked up my little limbs
and took my smarting pride
and went on to the next big thing
20, 21, I don't care
and all was dropped into this silence
the world spinning slowly, gears meshed
I loved again, lost, loved, lost
and listened to the careful silence
and walked the line I'd been given
I kissed some boys and then some girls
and liked girls better and you went
places and kissed some other girls
who I'm sure I'd like now
but who I hated at the time
even by rumor
relocation, trepidation
and a signal returned to me
a piece of mail, opened, blinking
at the unsealed blessing.
22 and I don't know you
but it occurs that I might
like to, one day
When we met again we were both 24.
The world sent spinning between us again
this is the history I wanted to relate
this is our outline, the containers
we pour our meanings through
26 and I love you
nothing more than that, my constant friend.
The world ticks on, unconcerned,
spinning regardless of us.
--for Chris. 10/2/00
There are some things that will never be yours.