The Limits of Love

When they hold hands
all the way to the
railroad station,
something important
crosses their palms and fingers.

When they part and he
steps into the cold distance
the chemicals on their flesh signal
"we will always be together."

But the ghosts of love
with their tear-dampened unctions of hope,
misguide him. All the thick
substances in blood
dam up in his veins.

When he is
far away, entangled,
nearing forever,
the smiles close,
the heat congeals,
the common maps,
fold. His fingertips
never pass through wires.