Against Hope

There is no promise like the present

though the present’s not promise at all.

The grifter flashes a glimmer like it was

a sure thing. Clinging to these turns

blindsides what’s before the eye, a fist

behind dice. I want distraction even

more than you, but both of us lost

the duel when our seconds went missing.

If you let all that superstructure melt

into the air, you can breathe again what’s

there—rather than what you thought

you wanted. Forget everything I’ve said

as long as you don’t mistake lying awake

with trying to get a good night’s sleep.