Memory

My lover teases me.
She kisses me and pushes me away.
Her eyes flash,
But her voice is rough and tired.
Tomorrow we will make love she promises,
But the hours stretch and stretch.

My own hand betrays me.
I stiffen into dryness.
The color of my skin is beautiful,
But I grow tired.
Any moment I shall stop trying,
But for now I pump on.

O memory, you are so cruel to me.
You are mine and yet remain your own.
Your torment is sweet,
Your embrace, chilling.
I must certainly be near the end of my life now,
Though I have many years to live.