do not show how much you care

Do not show how jealous you are. Do not
show how much you care. Do not think the bunch
of flowers in his hand connects the hand to you.
Do not close your eyes and kiss the funny
lips. Do not twist your torso, touching yourself
like a monkey. Do not put your mouth
on the filthy place that changes everything.
Do not utter the monosyllable twice that is
the signature of dogdom. Do not, afterward,
appear mangy with old breath, scrutinizing
every hole. And do not think--touching his hair,
licking, sucking, and being sucked in the same
instant, no longer lonely--that you
are two animals perfect as one.

[Henri Cole, 'One Animal', from Touch: Poems]