POEM OF EXPOSURE the tender outcry stains of love appear on every surface of your body outside darkness and indoor light make windows mirrors you are surrounded by yourself love's stain visible every time you seek your face you touch it but what put it there was not your hand therefore your hand cannot wipe it away what if others see so you rub harder promise renewal the stain deepens until you will only wear your face on days off and then you put it on with relief the freedom that comes from the familiar the well-used what does not have to be clean