With hearts in tandem
we stand: lip locked
bated breath, sweaty palms
tongues wrestling to wring a sodden truth.
A simple truth that is this: I love you!

~ Inori

I lost my footing in the wide of your smile.

I beg your pardon?

It’s a simple slip of the tongue.

~ Inori

“There’s plenty of fish in the sea,” says she,
drawing a blade to cut the line.

“I’m hooked to this fish!” protests I,
begging her not to.

~ Inori

I cover the strident stench of lies
with menthol candy drops,
It clings to my skin like beads of sweat.

I hold ten notes in clammy palms;
Nine on left and one in right.
I hand them to my mother,
Nine crisp notes and a crumpled truth;
Don’t get too close — I wreak of nicotine.

~ Inori