***

"Don't be daft" he said
but kept on staring at her
and never explained himself
so you would never tell
maybe except for jittering fingertips
and thoughts suddenly losing their track
crashed by just one look
shortened breaths
glances
all that must be kept in continuous motion
so she can still come looking up
and asking
so his answer can always be "no"
for he must love how she pleases more
and for she loves how he neatly apologizes