of course I can’t expect you to come with me,

I can’t think of a worse curse to inflict on a person I like.

Because no matter how long it goes well,

A date, a year, a lifetime,

It all ends, my fears come true

And yours, too. Every flaw is revealed

With enough time for inspection,

Every taste grows a bite, every

Sound, sustained, will whine through your skull.

And yet,

Apples sweeten as they rot,

and even long-buried bones

Have names,

And I hope you will come with me,

I really still hope.