For You by Kim Addonizio
For You
Kim AddonizioFor you I undress down to the sheaths of my nerves.
I remove my jewelry and set it on the nightstand,
I unhook my ribs, spread my lungs flat on a chair.
I dissolve like a remedy in water, in wine.
I spill without staining, and leave without stirring the air.
I do it for love. For love, I disappear.
MARGINALIA
You on my mind again, should I even be surprised. Gianni Pavesi’s Rilassamento is on repeat. I could almost feel you running your fingers through my hair, again and again.
ABOUT KIM ADDONIZIO
Kim Addonizio was born in Washington, D.C., on July 31, 1954. She received her BA and MA from San Francisco State University. Addonizio’s numerous books of poetry are Exit Opera (W. W. Norton, 2024); Now We’re Getting Somewhere (W. W. Norton, 2021); Mortal Trash (W. W. Norton, 2016); Lucifer at the Starlite (W. W. Norton, 2009); What Is This Thing Called Love: Poems (W. W. Norton, 2004); Tell Me (BOA Editions, 2000), which was a finalist for the National Book Award; Jimmy… (more)
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ENDNOTES
- Explore other works in pursuit of: vulnerability • love • devotion • Or browse the index
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