It is the requirement
of no less than all
while only seeing
pieces returned…

Warmth of words
turns without warning
to cold cruelty
until I can see that
the proverbial light switch
lives in all men–
not just the one I loved
with the best of me,
but in all…

The feelings simply
shut off —
even in you —
and all I can do is wish
you had not
shown me
so starkly…