The Innisfree Poetry Journal
www.innisfreepoetry.org

by James B. Nicola



One Day a Year

I like the quiet way of being. Stay
past evening, ask me anything, and know
all you want until next Valentine’s Day,

which is the only day I act this way.
Otherwise, I enjoy the nameless flow
and like the quiet way of being. Stay

till morning, if you’d like—or know you may,
at least. And know that you might come and go
all you want until next Valentine’s Day,

but know too that the louder you delay,
the longer we are, the more I’ll want to show
I like the quiet way of being. Stay

and find out. We don’t have to be risqué
if that’s not your style. You can tease me though
all you want until next Valentine’s Day:

I never lock my door, you see. So—. Hey,
what’s your last name? No, you don’t have to say:
I like the quiet. Either way, though, stay
all you want until next Valentine’s Day.



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