My Whiskers

my whiskers are long
growing for weeks
man beard
man face

my whiskers are in the way
more napkins
noon soup at bedtime
shampoo on my face

my lover likes my whiskers
manly and becoming
value added feature
ruffian's autograph

I rub my whiskers
authoritative and wise
not so frightened
not so alone

my whiskers in the wind
stringed sail
gray sea dog
rasp of waves

I will shave my whiskers
nothing lasts
not a man's face
not his signature