You said you decided to kiss me
when you saw the way I looked
at you. I wonder now
what my stare betrayed - what glimmer burning
there ignited yours. When you looked
in my eyes, did you see my heart
squeeze, veiny arms wrap its valves and chambers in a hug so tight
it ached? Did you
see the promise of the tulip
bruises I'd leave on your throat, slipping
and catching the breath from your chest?
Or the way you'd tangle our legs like bouquet stems, until I forgot
what was me and what was you? I don't know
what you saw in my eyes that night,
but I know what you didn't:
that I could have loved you,
if you let me.