We Do Not Speak of Love

by Harold Norse

for Alix Geluardi

we do not speak of love

but all are pushed & pulled

by it

taking all forms & shapes

twisted pounded burnt

by it

like the sculptor’s clay our faces

punched & pinched

made long or ripped apart

by it

eyes pained or deep or lost

lines cut in cheeks & forehead

from it

we do not speak of love

our faces scream

of it

haunting bars &

running wild in the streets

for it

we do not speak of love

but spike warm veins pop pills

burst brain with alcohol

for it

gods & demons wrestle for the heart

of it

I can’t survive the lack

of it