creed
for anne troop

if we believe in magic, then we must
be willing to accept that we are blessed
and come in perfect love and perfect trust

but if my heart was steel, then now it's rust;
i lost my faith three thousand miles west.
if i believe in magic, then i must

be nuts. i know that this is known as lust.
you'll hold me, let me suckle at your breast
and come. in perfect love and perfect trust

i've done that, gone for broke and come out bust.
i'm tired of it; all i want is rest.
do you believe in magic? guess you must.

it's not that i don't want you, but i just
can't bring myself to simply get undressed
and come in perfect love and perfect trust

but here you are, quite naked, without fuss.
i've written you a poem, so be impressed.
this is my only magic, so you must.
i'll come, imperfect love, imperfect trust.

(October 1997)