He is Calm He is Rock

I want to grow his heart
Until it breaks into
Cherry tomato serpent vine.

I want to plant his mouth
His tundra eyes
And stream of smiles.

But he comes then leaves
Leaves faster than he comes.

He’s grown in a terrarium.
Under halogen bulbs

I want to scale his skin
Feed him mice.
Watch him swallow as I do.

But he comes then leaves.
Leaves faster than he comes.

I don’t ask him to stay;
it isn’t me.