we sleep,
our backs pressed together,
except I’m not really asleep
I’m listening to your nervous breathing
you had a bad day
I don’t know how to make it better,
so I wedge myself
more snuggly against your back
than is accidentally possible
hoping that maybe
dream-you will know you are safe
lesbian
Poem #817
we sit in the bathtub together
your knees pushing on mine
the soft wave of water whenever we move
that little drip noise when we lift our hands
your hair is slicked back
and your eyes are wide.
the words march out of you
organized, powerful.
like a true revolutionary
I was attracted to you before
but this, it’s neodymium
the only reason I didn’t drown
is because you got up
and grabbed a towel
Poem #816
when I see you
it’s your black hole eyes
that suck me in.
but the gravity of your eyes
is nothing
you are everything
the sweet notes you leave me
your enthusiasm for justice
the way you pronounce “alien”
how you try so hard
even when most people wouldn’t
to be kind and patient
you, your essence,
are a nebula.
a cloud with any shape
you are anything
Poem #814
her back smiles at me
a sociable expression across the bed
not inviting. but reassuring,
she’s here
a window looking out
at hope;
swelling
in the heat of my smile
she’s tired
but
she’s finally here
Poem #772
when she gave me the ring,
I squealed for several long minutes
before turning to her and saying seriously:
“you know, I won’t give you my organs
I won’t ever give you my organs
maybe a bit of my liver
if that doesn’t hurt me
but that’s it
I’m sorry”
she smiled and said:
“well, I’m glad you liked the ring”
Poem #762
I live to see your arms in fishnet sleeves
your shoulders peeking through spaghetti strap tank tops
your hair in various stages of decoration
I live for the mole surrounded by the flowers on your leg
your freckles spotting your face
your lips in a sultry pout
most of all though, I live for the calm of your voice
your patience seeping through every bit of you
your humor in a stolen moment
Poem #651
two kisses in the morning:
one when I get up
turn her over
and try not to miss her lips
she smiles sleepily
one when I leave
lift her chin
and lean almost falling over
she mumbles, “I love you, see you later”