Favor

Do love a favor: never
sing that song for him,
it stutters and breaks
adoring hearts. Never
sing that song for him,
the one you use to
seduce your own heart.

Never sing that song for
him; it makes love like
I wanted to
                 and still do.
If you favor him, guard
him from your own siren-
sweet, sonorous sibilance.
Save the ache for those
trailing behind you now.

Never sing that song for
him; that heroin dream
clouds the line 'tween
media and reality. It sells
a story of swings, porches
and wine; love made on hills
and long, slow-burning nights
that culminate in sunrise.
Kindly caution--if you care
for him--those fantastic flames.


Do love a favor: never
sing that song for him,
leave its melodies to me.
Flawed harmonies ache
rippling through my
throat. I wince worse
than anyone. Darling,
Do love a favor: let
me sing it one more
time with you.