Isn't the Moon Lovely

I say, “I love the moon,”

Its beaming light cutting through the void,

Like the quiet emptiness between us.

You nod, and I inch closer to my treat of acknowledgement

You politely pat the vacant couch, beckoning,

Here it is, the arrival of a long-anticipated tide

Your hand, languid and lost in my tangled hair—

A mild gesture that feels like pulling threads.

You say, “I like your eyes.”

I say “I love your bed,”

No, not in that way, but in how it swallows me whole,

Deepening of what was a mere thought of a connection in this hot pit of nothing

The sheets knotting around my bare limbs, as I search for warmth.

Your chaos of a closet, bursting and ignored.

I turn to my side, facing the pale wall

You say, “Your skin is soft.”

I say, “I love when you roll your eyes at me,”

That fleeting glance, your hand softly grazing my once cold shoulder,

You toy with my necklace, over and over, round and round

I stay there, as you play with it, and I swear my skin is painted raw

With tears welling, all I wonder is how long before I slip away,

Your palms, cracked and torrid, too close, too far.

You say, “You have nice hair.”

I say, “I’ve never liked anyone quite like you,”

But the words are dry and hollow.

You seem to be looking at me, peeling away my layers,

From your view,

Am I exposed? Empty?

Trapped in my own punishment,

I won’t leave because I would wait for anything

As you prise the breast of my shirt, clawing away

Your wet mouth hang open,

with your eyes closed like curtains

shielding the glow from my light

Nothing to say…

I say something that you must have not liked.

Unphased for now, as this moment is the moment that must belong to you.

Your eyes still resting, waiting for what comes next.

The memory hung in the air, time slowed to a crawl

I was all alone when I pressed my hands upon your chest.

I gazed down at this creature, ready to rip and tear at me, as you did once before

Seemingly, no words this time.

And I listened, since I have heard this familiar song before.

And just as swiftly as time halted, I curl into my corner, and I too say nothing.