Because

When I wake up

I don’t recognize myself,

let alone you, next to me.

Because

I don’t know how to

touch a warm body

and not burn my fingers.

Because

Your next breath will be

with the Danube in your mouth,

and mine with the Fraser river.

They don’t share the ocean;

different fish spread their skeletons

on different shores.

Because

The wine is too light

and the wish too heavy

to taste good.