let gentle kisses
change your shape.
smooth words
are but tender
tiny cuts unfelt
until you bathe.

let's bathe together.

you draw from a hot
salty spigot
determined that hurt
forms and is desire.
sculpture cuts away
there is noise and
loss.

cooling to blood.
I will enter water.
see I to have cut.
small bits of me
mix with you.

no pain.

the potter lifts
out of mud.
gentle fingers
persuade and
shape beauty
with utility .

no loss.

now, let's colour,
in a slow
hardening
over fire.