I know
That you were indignant
When you came to take me
For the dance
And I refused.

I know
That you impressed me
Very much
And I was
Dying
Of wish
Of circling in your arms
And perhaps
To begin a romance
That might have
Happy ending.

I know
That I was losing
One more change
Such as many others
I have already lost.

I know
However
That these dreams
Are not for me.

And that nothing
Of this kind
-never-
Will occur.

For surely you would move away
As soon as you
Perceived
That
The meningitis atrophied my legs
And that
My nickname
Is “let me kick.”