i do not expect my fingers

I do not expect my fingers
to graze the sky



Sappho
Trans. Stanley Lombardo

i do not expect my fingers
to graze the sky
when i reach up
for your hair
as you bend down
over me
but they do

i do not expect my toes
to brush cold death
when you open up
and let me go
as i reach up
for you

but they will


8^th – 9^th March 2006