...we messed the sheets up with our backs, exchanged vertebrae –
    played with our bones...
 
I
 
slipping across the lake in a boat, to the other bank – – –
I caress your throat with the blade of my tongue, climb on your neck, shoulders, lick
your wrists, fingers, dive into the well of your bellybutton, your groin. suck into the whole
of summer like a lurking tick.
slipping across the lake in a boat – – –
I slurp away the chin’s juicy pear, in which bees party, pluck
the ripened plums of breasts. they are ready to rip from their fullness, and                       wiggle like lambs
flying from the hill.
slipping across the lake in a boat – – –
I caress temples with my cheek, pass across eyebrows and forehead,
                     with my lips pinch off
a ripened grape – of sweat – – –
 
II
 
when we slipped across the lake in a boat at night, not having a place to                            hide their shame
stars coughed into closed fists. we waved with flags of clothing, and rowing
with our feet we drowned nets of memory, tore away anchors that tied
us to the earth. an opposing wind shoved our moans back into our throats,                      screams and
squeals – – –
not having a place to hide their shame stars coughed into closed fists – – –
when we hoisted to the other bank, to the provincial town, Hades I think,                      the moon
laughed with a full throat – – –
and we soused the ferryman and left him lying in the rushes. for the                      money we owed him
we intended to buy opium and rakia. the closer we got to the bank
                     – the farther it receded.
we could see troughs surrounded by animals, Pan playing on a bone.
                     not having a place
to hide their shame stars coughed into closed fists and stared into the                              lakes – earth’s
open wounds, in which we wriggled, worms brimming with passion,                                  hungry to live
and die in desire. each for two. happy – until in the lake, among these                              infinitives
– – –