Tamala
	Remember i told you
	i longed to drown in your eyes?
	What a fool i was,
	but how i loved you
	working the salty-air bar
	in Key West.
	You wore the most colorful wrap-
	around dresses     that Island women wear;
	swayed to songs by Sade
	on your small cassette
	after the Caribbean band had left
	with the tourists.
	i spent the nights
	Drinking you.
	i saw you that day on the street.
	You looked so small, fragile
	in your shorts & t-shirt clinging
	to your wooden walking-stick.
	You said you couldn't breath
	sat down on the curb.
	i put my arm around you.
	Finally, you smiled
	lit up a cigarette.
	"Why do you smoke if you can't breath?"
	"Why do you drink?"
	i worked the shrimp boat
	and couldn't wait to get back
	deep brown eyes, long brown hair, tan brown skin.
	i only wanted in for a moment.
	You laughed.
	Thought i wanted forever.
	Meditate, you said,
	to get what you want.
	Then you left with the guitar player
	and left me
	Drowning.