If I step back from my life I can see my lovers--
hurt by me, wandering in a maze of spiky plants
just to the left or right of many things
I couldn't do. I watch them and love them
now that it's safer to do so, without being
hindered by their presence outside the maze.

And I wish I hadn't begun this piece of writing.
And I wish my lovers could step inside it and trample it,
and me with it.