poetry of jesse wiles

In A Dorian Frame

Once i drew a picture of you on a satin canvas of thought The sky was milk white bright and i was seventy-three light years from the nearest star "Do you know where you are?" you asked and i smiled in spite of myself. Wondering how, it came to be, that a portrait could speak as finely as me.

There is a tightrope in the mean of my mind separating love and disdain "Are you in pain?" i asked and laughed in spite of myself Pondering why, that i should think it so, that a portrait should feel and shudder and glow.

This thought is real this portrait one that thinks and reels. i hold your hand pressed to the gland an alligator sneeze brings crocodile tears to butterfly eyes and they are mine "will you be my valentine?" i asked and smiled in spite of myself. Thinking it just a wee bit weird that I should embrace the one i most feared.

All is fair in highs and lows And the end was nearer than i supposed The infinite misunderstanding of what might have been How much longer continue in sin that grace may abound "Is it coming around?" you asked and i smiled in spite of myself. Amazed at this marvel, plain to be seen My portrait a perfect reflection of me.

© 2026 jesse wiles