For Andrew

The Science of Boys for Andrew
Draw your circle on the square
draw your circle everywhere
the edges do not mingle
the fingers do not tangle.
Silence is the rule with boys.

I will not shine on you today
I will not sing or play the notes
you expect and know. The science
of boys is a quiet way around the spring
and when the boy is in pain and wants
to die his desire is god’s plan, you will
not shake him loose from it. The garden

rows grow straight when he is older
though you remember when he was young
and the sunflowers broke open yellow
across the fields when he bowed his violin
strong and he was your boy. Now the mystery

strains his eyes and he alone and you cannot
break through, your words touch but do not ripple
the placid water on his face, the cascade of his
muted tears washing down the innocent slopes
of cheeks. Say, Boy it hurts to grow, boy
I say even especially love hurts and happiness
is vulnerability, the fleshed body sings.