In the morning before eating, you’re on the defensive, you manage somehow not to know things you really do know.
[Simone de Beauvoir]

Your shoulders: blades
against my knees.

Attention. My palms,
your hair. For security reasons,

do not leave. Thumbs
smoothing lines

from your forehead.
Do not accept

Small evening grit, one whole
day’s oils. items

I am surprised
by the give from unknown

at your temples.
persons. You have porcelain

edges beneath your eyes,
Unattended like rims on the cups

you made me, thrown
so thin sun glows through: closed

eyelids, cream-colored. Cushions

luggage of your cheeks
before the rough.

How does my face
feel under your hands?

is subject to Your thumbs, pure sensation,
pressure and slide.

immediate Gentle
over unprotected skin,

teaching me ecstasy can mean
knowing the harm one chooses

not to do. collection and search. Thrill
up past my ears when you reach

the slip of muscle on my jaw.
What are we doing alone

together? Do not
May leave be

damaged or destroyed.