__________by Siren
I recognize the equations you formulate
that dictates you and me and him equal
“we can make this work”
our carry-over digits added
sight out of mind
under the line of clandestine covers
licking the tip of my pencil
I divide me into you
to factor this long division
into a remainder of two
though the aftertaste of trois
my bemused tongue refuses
The middle of this algebraic ruse
You seesaw me
the unknown variable
while you solve for x
with his dividends
and no sense we’re more than
friends
He leaves for work at 8.
Doing 60, you’re never late.
How long will it take for him to estimate our dates?
You relish the manipulation of numbers
I respect the objectivity of math
No matter how you massage this us
I’m one operation beyond your must
the yen unable to satisfy the yang
of your love’s pangs
