Unforgettable

John Singer Sargent | The Breakfast Table | 1884 | Oil on canvas | Fogg Art Museum, Harvard University | Cambridge, United States | image from Art Renewal Center

UNFORGETTABLE

I slipped in 
on the far end 
of your noisy table

so flipped to give 
my heartfelt affection 
why hollow accusation?

I want to anoint you
not because you’re a king or a god
but because you’re a five-star review

If I tell you 
how I feel 
will you keep defending me?

pen it down 
as a gesture to love
that will always be spoken of 

I sense your sadness
broken box of precious
now, say the word — surprise

it could have been sold 
you’re not a waste 
now let me alone

I want to anoint you
not because you’re a king or a god
but because you’re that good

comments going up into thick air
because I lavished luxury 
with my long hair

so widespread your fragrance
from the foundation of the earth
that worth will be forgotten

if I could bottle up 
all that you’ve started
I would be a drunk