come to me so warned

Look, it’s usually not a good idea
to think seriously about me.
I’ve been known to give others
a hard time. I’ve had wives and lovers--
trust that I know a little about trying
to remain whole while living
a divided life. I don’t easily open up.
If you come to me, come to me
so warned. I am smooth and grayish.
It’s possible my soul is made of schist.

But if you are not dissuaded by now,
well, my door is ajar. I don’t care
if you’re in collusion with the wind.
Come in, there’s nothing here
but solitude and me. I wouldn’t mind
being diminished one caress at a time.

[Stephen Dunn {1939- }, 'Stone Seeking Warmth', from Here and Now]