A Night in Key Largo

This was one long, hot night in the Keys.

A Night in Key Largo


Deep into it now
Darkness, tropical heat,
Passion
Rain all around
But no lightning

Except for the sound
of distant voices
That spark
when I try for sleep.
The voices, the sound,

The pleasure
Run together and then
I have to get up.
I cannot stay with
The cool pillow wet

With my own sweat.
I don't smoke out of habit
Now, just for relief
I do, and the smoke fills
My lungs, sharp and quick
Like fresh longing

For the voice
And the memory
Added onto long nights
Like these
When I cannot talk

To anyone,
especially you.