SETTLING

Susan Smith Nash

 

 

In August, the day burns

the moon refuses to cool

the hot night

more than either expects

 

A bottle heavy, empty

is companion filled with cigarette ashes,

crumpled cremains

black & white

in a movie

Cary Grant – Ingrid Bergman

Hollywood’s longest recorded kiss—

They now say it wasn’t acting at all

 

I sleep crumpled in your arms

the dawn is gray

I’m missing you already

the house makes creaking noises

Its customary settling

your chest tidepools

I refuse to cool.