Love by the Tooth Brush
I brushed my teeth three times for you,
Baby. I did this passionately
Like the way serious British men do
When devouring cups of tea,
Which I once traded for whiskey and coke
And LSD, speed and smack.
Like Dracula I wear a long cloak
While kissing girls on the back
Of their necks—black and white
And yellow—but for you I’d spare
Three kisses and a love-sick bite
For the ardor in the air.
I ironed my shirt and slacks and sweater.
I cut my hair on my own,
Fumbling for touch in this day’s weather
Of your face, though I am now alone,
Reading Shakespeare and Juliet
Was but the age 14.
Me? I am 58 yet
I am consumed as if a teen.