new music

he called it “new music”
a very general term 
for a very specific thing

I met him at the corner 
of Montague and Court
we crossed the river 

it was a Tuesday 

rain sat in clouds 
over New York City
refusing to come down

wet air
wet shirts

we sat in a practice room 
at the Manhattan School of Music

room for only two chairs
two bodies 
two backpacks

a cushioned bench
a grand piano 

this Spanish man 
with perfect hands
and a funny name

he kissed me once or twice
then told me there were cameras

I don’t need you
to love me 
in the same way I love you

I whispered 
the words 
into his ear 

I would just like to hear your music 

new music 

forever
and for always
or simply for right now