i watch you
pulling corks from wine
stacking plates and breaking glasses
as if i were watching an eagle
gathering lichen and moss on the side of a mountain
awed by the riveting rhythms
of unselfconscious beauty

i look into your eyes
sparkling like champagne
and my lips smart to remain dry
at the side of the lazy river of your moving
while my nerves shred themselves
as their current surges blood to my skin
hunger to my fingers
without release

i have mapped the contours of your body
the hint of a smooth meadow
between the rolling hills of your breasts
the strong surge of promise from your navel
gathering between your thighs
the ripe orbs of your buttocks
caressed them with nerves that flower in my eyes
and die in my finger tips, my lips, my tongue
as my palms grow dry

and now
my fingers, my tongue, my lips and my skin
rebel against the privilege of my eyes
burning my nerves till the smoke in my blood
rises to my eyes to punish them
and my eyes
my eyes do not know how to lie
they speak more honestly than any words
listen to them
listen to them singing
how i could die
in the arms of your eyes
in the eyes of your flesh
again and again and again

1990