I used to watch the crowds of animals and clowns

spitting shortwave, dripping ink

half a worry here, half a note there



you looked so beautiful

Anita Ekberg in the fountain

such a spell on you

crashing wildly through the waltz



any other time but now

when I'm looking in, not out

any other time your tongue would fill my mouth

I was wrong to try

but I thought I'd find

my reflection in your eyes



but now I come here to be seen

my usual table here at the bottom of the stairs

they keep their steely eyes on me

half a wonder here, half a glance there



you look so beautiful

Anita Ekberg in the fountain

nature's chemicals

roundly wound up in the warmth



any other time but now

when I'm looking in, not out

any other time your tongue would fill my mouth

I was wrong to try

but I thought I'd find

my reflection in your eyes