Sometimes a Ghost is All You’ve Got

One hundred and nineteen

More days have passed

Since I was last honest with you

My nickel fell between

The cushions and

I could not help diving for it

Falling for it

Three hundred and fourteen

Is on the door

Where all my sins are tacked to the wall

Oft heard but seldom seen

Apologies, authentic thanks,

And hearts in the mouth

And I don’t know where you go when I am not around

But I know it must be handsome and not really round

Even when your ears seem hot

Sometimes a ghost is all you’ve got.

I’d treat you like a queen

If only you would show me something

Royal or wise

The voice on the machine

And taffy-flavored lipgloss

Still haunt me at night.

And I don’t care what you say when I’m about to leave

But I would swear that it’s better never to receive

And – I declare! – there’s a beating heart upon my sleeve

I’m nothing that you’re not

Sometimes a ghost is all you’ve got.