Poetry Break: Rule Number One

Rule Number One

"I can tell"
he had said
(very drunk, very bold, very true),
"when you want to be with me."

I almost denied it,
and then
(very calm, very clear, very true) -
didn't.

"you"
he whispered in the half light,
"you, you, you."
he accused
(very sweet, very tender, very true)
"You made me break the rules."
I denied it.

Yes,
I want to be with you, share with you.
Yes,
I want you to hold me, warm me.
Yes,
I want to know you, touch you.

And no,
I won't break your fragile, empty rules.

  -- Kara Stewart, 1984