Howard Firkin
Eternal love is brief and hurts forever.
Avoid it if you feel like feeling like
you haven’t been impaled upon a spike
to writhe for the amusement of whomever
has chanced to pass to loosen their applause.
I said I couldn’t live without you but,
surprisingly, it turns out that I can—
more proof for you I’m not an honest man—
but doors can only open once they’re shut
(and love survive so many metaphors).

Our love survives, surprisingly and winks
its tiny, diamond light from somewhere deep.
Love’s left to other nights, and neither thinks
that dreams illuminate our unasleep.