The Confessions of St. Valentine

for Pamela

I used to calmly converse with the
vatos & their sisters
then reverse the charges

            Tequila w/salt tastes like blood I thought
                      & I never told that to anyone but you
                                 after first making sure that
                                             you weren't listening

& the way you return my dreams to their default settings
always careful not to spook the horses

            I never think about where you've been
                      although I often wonder where you are

your eyes catching the light just so

            like sun-dazzle on darkwater tide pools
                     when the seaweed is in bloom