Untitled, By KILLARNEY CLARY

Sleep was streams of red and white lights curving through the passes. I saw them from a melancholy, silent and weary. I want to fall in love every moment. The ache is fine and selfish, so huge and sad. If someone were here tonight, hewould know what I should do with my arms which are so heavy and the numbness spreading from my spine. I might talk with him and learn how to find places for the gifts. If there were skin other than my own or a certain need. Time wears the dazzle of the small lights. I am chilled. I begin to smell the trees. Sleep was all that was left. A small and comfortable boat on the whole ocean.

From “Who Whispered Near Me” (Noonday: $8.95; 65 pp.). 1989 by Killarney Clary. Reprinted by permission.