Let Us Pretend

by James Strauss
(Namibia)

Let us pretend
that your eyes still see my soul
and not
the pale statue mourning lost love

Let us pretend
that you left because you loved me
and not
because you could not stand the taste of my heart

Let us pretend
that you were unhappy because it was cold
and not
because my warm body was not enough

Let us pretend
that the scars I carry are there for beauty's sake
and not
because you could not catch me in time

Let us pretend
that your taste ruined me because I was absent-minded
and not
because you came to me without warning

Let us pretend
that I allowed you to destroy me out of weakness
and not
because I wanted more of you

Let us pretend
that you were in my head to sing me a lullaby
and not
because you planned to leave me voiceless

Let us pretend
that I was a wild animal that you planned to tame
and not
a creature that you made to follow you

Let us pretend
that your love made me forget God because I was confused
and not
because you wanted your blood to be my salvation

Let us pretend
that when I feel lonely
I will pray you into reality

Let us pretend