fifty three
dear you
things never really went wrong
if you consider that we're still together
I know it hurt when she found out
when she kicked you out
over me
but you told me it would have to end
somehow, eventually
she'd have to face the music:
you don't love her anymore
because she never loved you at all
dear lover
you belong with me
you are more than your income potential
you are more than the body you used to have
these things are not why I love you
you are not your graying hair
or the extra pounds you say you carry
you are more than the number fifty-three
you are not your insecurities
or the insecurities she gave you
dear doctor
you are brilliant
and not even a doctor yet
nonetheless you're my caretaker
up all night to operate on my turbulent soul
never to make a cent
dear sweet
you have always been perfect
coverboy grin with a silver polish
there isn't shame in age
I love you just the same
the ghost of who you wish
you still appeared to be
is stuck in a polaroid from 1983
but here you are before me
every ounce of platinum-plated perfect