Unrequited Love

My time is wasted
twisting the memory of your kisses
into gentle caresses.

You penetrated
the maidenhead of my desire,
with silly words that imitated hope
transmuted into love.

Yesterday I found your photo
hidden in an old album
and I remembered
the taste of your saliva on my tongue,
the taste of stale cigarettes and warm beer.

I remembered your promises
like diamonds
falling from a gold engagement ring.

I weep for the memories
I chase
like a death row inmate seeking
freedom in endless appeals to the state.

I try to remember your parting words,
but all I remember
are the tragic consequences
of my “I love you!”
the chances for happiness
that your memory
caused me to pass up.