Nothing Resembles Love

Nothing resembles love. No man returns
From the attempt. No woman ever waits
A long enough time. A balloon inflates,
Then blows around the room, buzzes and churns,
The sound of tongues flapping. And no one learns
Love's lessons, since love lessens and berates
Us foolish mortals for our foolish hates
And longings, all that our stray loving earns.

We spin, we rest, like the planet we spin,
Joyous and desperate, enslaved and free,
Peace in our souls, hearts full of contumely,
Desire in ice, certainty made of tin,
Knowing only what got under our skin:
Nothing resembles love. Please don't leave me.