I’d take you out of your silence
on a boat
with a red Phoenician sail
like the one tacking out there
on the stained glass ocean…
but I don’t know how
You’re fixed on that little girl
in the green ruffled swim suit
trying to catch sugar birds
by the pool
with her tiny hands wide open,
or maybe your smile’s
for the blond feral cat
standing by the pole
of the rainbow umbrella
who’s staring you down
I just want you to look
inside me like that
so I too can live
with you
inside your silence