Chasing one who didn't love you, you married her and suddenly she was old. Much sweeter at a distance-sharing bits of gossip, rousing your ardor with her title as you wrote of the bourgeoisie. I felt myself borne toward you as by a tide. I hardly noticed the bump on your nose. Your arrogant body swells inside the plaster.
Satisfaction seems just around the corner.
Translation from the French by Henry Reed This work by Christy Sheffield Sanford appeared in Negative Capability and The Kiss .