For a long time
I stood in the alley.
I faced north,
watching
cars cross
two blocks up.
Could see
row of back porch lights
leading to you.
And I can’t simply walk
north north north,
sloshing through
the rivulet running down
the center of the alley.
I can’t simply go to you.
But I can
feel my body heave
with your presence when
you squint and see
small figure
in a yellow slicker
and draw the curtains.