I seek to fill it
whether it needs filling or not
inserting my vanity into spaces
undefiled by actuality
as if I could fill the vacuum
between the stars and electrons
as if I could fill the gulf between us
no matter how close you seem
as if I could fill your vacant stare
so you don’t have to be there alone
as if I could fill all the holes
and lonely places within me
as if I could fill the blank slate
with words enough to keep the void at bay.

Gene Twaronite is a Tucson poet and the author of six books, including two short story collections and two juvenile fantasy novels. My first book of poetry, “Trash Picker on Mars” was recently published by Aldrich Press.