Second Impression

-Rod McKuen

. . . Listen if the night will let you

to songs I sing and things I say

tomorrow when the air is different

you’ll forget and go away.

Sometimes I’m sorry for love once known

it doesn’t justify the years you spend remembering.

I was always timid about your loving me anyway

knowing the eagle doesn’t hunt flies

and that world’s were larger than our love.

But I am happy still

that even for a moment

you laughed in my direction

and chased my nakedness down a lonely beach.

For maybe six months of love

is worth the lifetime you spend looking

and marmalade

And oysters for breakfast one morning

and knowing you tried to love me

Is enough.