(Not) You by Edward Lee

I have written so many poems
about you, for you,
snuck you into fictions
and abstract paintings,
disguised you into nothingness,
shone a knowing spotlight
on your unforgotten skin,
I feel I should pay you royalties.

But of course,
I won't, and will deny
all your guest appearances
in my words and strokes,
say it is some other woman
who endured the broken weight of me
for as long as she could
before letting the burden of my heart
fall from her tired hands,
some other woman
I still remember,
still long for, still love,
still miss, after twenty years,
more, while forever wondering,
in my overflowing silence, if your eyes
have ever found and recognised yourself
in my world of make-believe lies.

About the Poet:

Edward Lee‘s poetry, short stories, non-fiction and photography have been published in magazines in Ireland, England and America, including The Stinging Fly, Skylight 47, Acumen and Smiths Knoll.  His debut poetry collection “Playing Poohsticks On Ha’Penny Bridge” was published in 2010. He is currently working towards a second collection.
He also makes musical noise under the names Ayahuasca Collective, Lewis Milne, Orson Carroll, Blinded Architect, Lego Figures Fighting, and Pale Blond Boy.