on a Day You Came Through Town
and Didn't Call Even Though You Said
You Would
Today it was three glasses
of wine before I could leave
a message on your phone,
then I got drunk
while waiting for mine to ring,
my head full of worlds
that no longer exist;
like the first time I saw you
walk into a room like somebody
just turned on the sun
and how you looked in that dress
smoking cigarettes
in downtown doorways
as the rain came down like god's
broken promise.
I guess the days aren't built
for that kind of beauty
anymore
and all things considered
I suppose it's for the best.
But the thing is,
I just wanted to be beautiful
for you one more time.
William Taylor Jr.