That first kiss
was kites in
wind gusts
when we
landed like an
air balloon
it was velvet
and suede
lips spreading
hungrily like
kitten to milk
opening oyster
our tongues
creep out cautiously
and land on each
otters rolling in kelp
Ah that first kiss
that delicious
first kiss
I remember
twilight
I’m in bed before
you you come to
bed after me
lifting the sheet
crawling in like
deli meat into
sandwiches
you sidle up
to me like a
magnet I smell
the soap from
your face fresh
like the ocean
your body is cool
to me like a mother’s
wash cloth
when we touch
arousal kissing and
loving Romeo
where have you
gone
Close your eyes
recall a day at the
beach sunny children
playing in the sand
and you are there
running and laughing
jumping up and down
rolling on the towel
laying in the sand
like a walrus
When I close my eyes
I can imagine those things
but only imagine
I only walk with braces
and crutches
I can’t remember the
feelings of sand underfoot
or jumping or simply
walking
I don’t recall walking
without these
accoutrements
With eyes open
I’ve decided to shuck
the old knee
get a new one
giddy
relieved
moved
I will walk again
jump run
laugh
Do you remember
the jungle
humidity and daily
rains soaked us
feet sloshed like
drunks in mud
Do you remember
we were deep
in the jungle
moving slowly
machete wielding
guides hacked
through the ribbons
and ropes of leafy
vines
Do you remember
the bridge in the
jungle
we found each other
opposites on canyon
cliffs you
on one side
I on the other
a rope bridge was
the only tie
between us rickety
damaged tired
You took the first
step, Romeo
I want to write
you words like
barnacles
hang in my throat
clinging not moving
to you my words
hanging windless flags
can’t seem to find the
shell curve of your
ears I’m a
poet
words are easy
except
now clinging to me
like moss
are my feelings
behind the fence
of my indecision
just know my
love even unsaid
feel my words
HARLAN DIDRICKSON 