What It's Like To Almost Love You

The moon right now. I hope you're looking at it. I love the rain and the clouds. I love what we do when it's dark out. It's a shame the way you do your thing. I guess it's been sunny.

I'm looking at you. And my fingertips feel different on your skin. Your bite marks are on my clavicle. Your thumbprint on my eyelids. My cheeks. And the bottom of my lips. I'm branded. Leftover kisses in my hair. I want to wash it off. Just a little, maybe. Cause I want you to linger.

Lips quiver in anticipation. Don't let anyone tell you different. I bite mine to hide from you. You used to cast a shadow on my mouth with yours. A soft space, dimly lit up by our chemistry. Fireworks.

We should explore. Go on an adventure. Hold out your shirt sleeve and I'll leave a trail of broken glass and broken hearts. No one will follow us.

We can dive into the most shallow part of your soul. Because that's all there is. The laps of your waves are addicting. Deep breaths. Tiny little gasps.

I'm hooked. I want to swim in your thoughts, taste your passion, and feel your dreams. I want to paint you with kisses and smiles. Pour out my art into you. Hoping for depth.

But I don't. My heart is too big and your hands are too strong... I guess.

Slender Threads and Things To Treasure

It had been 15 minutes since the movie started, when his hand met mine. His smooth fingers tracing the outline of my hand, lingering at my finger tips. He traced circles and squares and hearts on to my palm. We played this silent game until his fingers found the courage to interlock with mine. I looked up at him, his eyes were on the TV, but I could see a smile in the corner of his lips. Then, he slowly curved his free arm around my waist, securing me into his warmth. I shifted a little, finding the perfect niche between his arms and his chest. No one seemed to notice our change of position.

He let my hand go, and gently swept my hair off my shoulders, placing them behind my ears. He whispered, Are you comfortable? I smiled. He nodded, as he leaned his head closer. I could feel his inhales and exhales on my cheek.
He continued to whisper in my ear. I bit my lip, as his continued to get closer and closer. They moved from my ear, to my jaw, and then stopped. Neither of us were watching the movie anymore. He placed his hand on my face; his thumb stroked my cheek lightly. I looked up at him, as he inched closer. He smiled and slowly tilted my chin upwards.

Unremarkable: A Poem

(Inspired by Alden Nowlan's Masks of Love)

I got in from a day
spent with someone who was not you –

Almond-covered chocolates,
Creamed-ice on a cone,
Flowers of bouquet,
Love cards on letters,
- or something, rather.

It seemed like it was going to rain,
I got sand in my sandals.
My eyelashes began to uncurl.

The dock posts were rusting,
And the boardwalk was uneven.

You see, without you, I was attentive.
You and I, we were unremarkable.

The days I spent with you –
I can’t even remember.

Sunset or sunrise,
Raining or snowing?
Were we in the city or at the park?
Candle-lit or daylight?

You talked too much,
laughed too much.
You sang too much.

I came in from a day
Spent with someone who is not you.