Wha Sweet You Mout’ Bitter Ya Behind

Beneath vanilla almond eyes

he brandishes habanero chili ways.

A temptation lure-infused spice that continues to scorch dreams.

Commitment to cool and collected is admirable

but your words spill a hot mess desperate for anything wet.

*

Why does his nine-tenths of law possession hands

mix a vodka blueberry mojito

that make holiday getaways obsolete?

Can mere mortals market corner refreshment mojo

then add garnish of gods perfection

while the coherence remainder in me says

“Run for the exit.”

“Don’t take another sip.”

“Call your best friend.”

“Use the distress word.”

*

But nah.

Instead you gaze hypnotic Cuban highball healing

and try

not to lick your lips

but…all that ice tho’.

Damn.

Trouble got a whiff of your eau de parfum.

Asks whether such an enticing scent

got dance moves to match

It’s a trick question.

Don’t move.

Don’t answer.

Just smile and think watery thoughts while peppery flames inside

360˚ cyclone first notes of sealed fate.

*

How the blazes does a café bar

smack dab inside of what should be 21st century

deep REM stage sleep in Rio

pull off 20th century Love TKO Teddy Pendergrass rhythm bass

on blast speakers taller than my head?

Root cause analysis findings already establish reason and logic

made other plans when that white strapless sundress

waltzed out my hotel closet.

*

Now saviors are excuses

obligations or appointments

for kids you don’t even have.

Dark smile eyes and easy conversations

gon’ burn a new entry point as surveillance goes

fromyoutodrinktoyoutodrinktoyou

and knows

blood in the water

ref with the red card

flag at the 30-yard line

towel thrown.

*

Mojito frenzy it is

to my last segment of untainted thought process while

a ringtone pierces halo haze request of

“Honey, keep a tab for all dis heat,”

and Carla yells through my phone

“Girl, put that damn drink down”

after I’ve been shaken and stirred

roasted on an open grill pit and had tastebuds singed.

Can’t drink like the locals.

Need time and adjustments.

Medical attention

now Emergency Room visit I would pay to forget

as with broken English

the doctor leaves simple direction

“No sweet spice drink you."

***

I really appreciate that you read my poem! If you'd like to see more of my work, please check below:

If you enjoyed this or any of my other stories, feel free to like, subscribe, tip, pledge, and/or share with friends and social media sites. If you wish to promote in other forums, you can secure permission @thedaniwriter