Strong By Nancy Schatz Alton

She’s sure so often

now.

Flashing behind us: nights spent wavering

wavering with me figuring out how to lead.

There was a sweetness in the wavering:

our limbs tangled together as we slept

as soon as I gave myself over to her need.

Now she dances in the living room

& it’s the same way she used to dance, really,

—oh—how I couldn’t see how fine she often was

because because because because

we lived inside a puzzle.

1 sure thing: we were stronger together

my hand slips from 1 steering wheel

blindly reaches for her hand near the back seat

then: hands clasp: I got this, you got this

go forth & then come home & dance.

3.7.2018