explain the desire to me
how there are anxieties leaving from me
how I could let you gaze upon me and allow your hands close
to drag noise from my body
explain the deficit to me
how there are never enough kisses for me
how I could spend the night draped in your scent and still wish
to live in your mouth a while longer
explain the withdrawal to me
how there are now new holes in me
how I could pass the time running my tongue across my teeth
to remind me of your surgery

explain the pattern to me
the steps involved in my downfall, in the rushing water tumble toward
entrapment, solidly, inside the fragrant rich reality of
me and you

perhaps I have