This thaw has
nothing to do
with Valentine’s Day
or the ones
that immediately follow.

In a dream,
I immediately follow
a misguided instinct
right down
your cellar steps.

I become
a stalker
your sister finds
cowering beneath
a neglected house plant.

Nothing thaws
in the dream.

Nothing compares
to the look

on her face
as she whispers
get out
before my brother
comes home.