I Already Know That Everything Is Fucked

I have known this for years.

Has it ever been otherwise?

I am not America.

I just live here.

I left before you ever arrived,

left for real, for good.

You were still dreaming of mountains,

pretending to dream of me.

And you recognized me

when we met on a dark stair

in your dreams. I embraced you

(you looked so sad)

but said I couldn't stay

It can't be like this.

It is never like this.

and disappeared into thick forest.

You are still dreaming of mountains.

And the Sun.

           —Christine Telfer