Trail

o.
each kiss carries
context and content,
each nuance
changing connotation.

i. forehead
sad eyes pour into mine
like a swimming pool
being filled with angels’ tears.

i cup her face in my hands,
trying to hold all of the water
that escapes her
as i gently kiss her forehead.

i will cradle her cerebrum
and maintain our composure.
i will protect you.

ii. temple
temporal touches
refers to the hands on a clock,
as well as the anatomical.

and this kiss is subtle,
but it represents our passing of time.
i started this with my mother at 13,
and only a few embraces away from 18.

iii. cheek
childish caresses
with our fingers locking
themselves to adolescence.

i never have visibly blushed,
but i swear my flushed cheek
burned where your left your lips
for nearly a lifetime.
at least that’s what it felt like.

iv. eyelids
i kissed the blinds
that covered the windows
of your soul
to let you know
the sun still shone
even if your eyes were closed.

and when they open,
it’ll be a new day.

v. nose
kunik nuzzles
nestle themselves
in my visions;
dreaming of your scent
and the sonance
of life being sung
through your nostrils.

in a romance-riddled reverie
i kiss the tip of your nose
as you sleep.

vi. jaw
i feel the warmth
of your breath
as you lean in
and brush your lips
against my skin
like wind kissing
freshly cut grass.

while jaws grasp nutrients,
i can feel you tug the corner of my heart.

vii. chin
“fight me, fight me!”
i feel your thin digits
wrap around my wrists
in a snug clasp
as you straddle my legs,
smiling as wide
as i’ve ever seen you
before you quickly
peck my chin.

and all i can do
is look at you
in amused bewilderment.
“i told you you couldn’t handle it.”

viii. neck
i rest my cheek on your shoulder,
eyes peering up at your dozing form
as we fall asleep on the couch.

your head leaning against the armrest
as i push my tired frame
to adorn your neck
with a chain of my affection.

ix. shoulders
i slide the straps of your dress
down your arms
and swear my heart
is going to expand
and explode under the pressure
that is your unadulterated nakedness.

not nudity but the vastness
of being open
where you actually let me in.

i don’t even think to touch your lips,
i dive straight for your shoulder.

x. hands
your palms sit flat on my wrinkled grip
as i bring your knuckles
to my lips like royalty.
i give both hands an embrace
to let you know
i’m going to hold your touch
in the highest order.

xi. lips
it was july when it happened.
we were a hot mess of emotions
finally realizing where we searching
high and
low for something that was always with us.

we were made through
pull and attraction,
intrigue and connection.
our kiss was a collision.