so as not to terrify wife,
children, friends.
So as not to spill out
like moonlight or water.

     At death all they’ll see
is the me they think is me
like a husked carapace
of a bug.

     When my father was in his coma
was he traveling back
to his star while we stared
at his face?

     Just when I think I’m lost
I’ll see inside
a person’s chest.
Heart like a supernova,
God particles spraying.

     What is more unsafe than love?
Nothing.
So I fall in love
every day with at least one person,
one leaf, one windchime’s note.

      I will miss here and there
a mystery perfectly placed
that made living a strange pleasure.
Like when I touched you 
and you touched me.

     Everyone leaks light.
Sometimes I think 
the neighbor’s cat knows
what I am, the way
she stares at me
from their stoop.