there's no more room, you insist
while i calmly add to the pile
it won't hold up, you cry
as i stuff another load into the gaps
i don't want any more now, you plead
while i place a handful in your arms
i can't take it anymore, you scream
as i add some more to your head and shoulders

love is not like pizza or boxes
or furniture or clothes
you can stack it anywhere
and it won't fall over
it just keeps soaking in
and adding up
and it almost always has a shine to it

empty room
as you consider
hands on hip and lip
the painting and the spackling and the scrubbing
while i stand holding
the checklist

we are in love to our ankles
where once it was a flood
but now steady and sweet
and clear like sunshine