you know when we speak I feel mary hovering right in the corner of my eye out of my line of vision
she showers me with the flower petals she's collected from the words that pour tangible from her mouth

you know when I pour you tea sitting quiet in the kitchen with the wysteria vine thrumming with bees
she stares at me from the cup stained brown in the leaves that collect sodden and bitter spelling out secrets

you know when I pick out eyelashes you've left gently on the pillow maddening and delicious
she touches my spine with white crescentmoon nails and teases pale hairs on my neck to stand

mary watches me and cries when I glare back
she'll live behind my curtains until I burn the damn things black