i'd love to forget the first time we did it
so that every moment after will feel like it's brand new

the wind covered us in a cold blanket
bringing us closer to each other's warmth

there was nothing pretty elsewhere
no sunset
no butterflies
no flowers

but you

and only you
only your cheeks
your chin
your ridges
your lips

and so i went
a slow progression
sightsee and pilgrimage

and i felt riches from every visit
till i reach your mecca

softer than finger touch
smoother than wine glass
moister than tiredness

first with the hesitation
two puzzle pieces with fuzzy edges

but it didn't take long for them to fit

and when the right pair aligned
it formed an image prettier than any mystery

eat your heart out, klimt
no gold can ever gild us the same
than our touch

eat your heart out, botticelli
my venus is fairer than creation

eat your heart out, mansa
i have crossed tougher beliefs
tougher wars
tougher deserts
just to get where i am

and where i am is in the memory of her lips

and where she is in my soul