We never went to Rome together

but as I have it

we wake early and seek out sharp coffees

spend the day brushing hands

flirting with a previous idea of us

rush to the room to make love

under white curtains

on a pile of tourist maps, your winter coat.
Pilgrim stream under window

wick-hold the candle

steady now

cassock of flow

impeached women.
On the last night I paid for a guided tour.

You pointed out umbrella pines.

I pointed out the brevity of our attendance,

the thin foot of our welcome here.