Dark bits.

A canyon

Or the last surrendered breath, between mouth and skin.

Too far, both. Too far.

I embrace you, touch secret parts that you’ve concealed

from all the boys,

but revealed to me;

displayed to my greedy eyes what no one else has seen.

I drink you in.

I devour without touching,

possess, without holding.

I mark you, brand you

with white hot intent,

forged in the heat of desire and need.

You are not here,

But you are here.

And I taste the future memory of you,

Surrendered with the brush of lips against neck;

hands, finding their way.

The gift of a sigh,

whispered on a Georgia night,

and carried to me in the dead of winter,

and I am warm.

Sated and deprived

with promise.

Holding you here.

Always holding you here.