I’m handing over
two nickels and three pennies
across the bookstore counter
all of a sudden
I am somewhere else with you
- I am bagging books
printing the receipt -
but you are putting your hand
on my back
you are pulling me into
the warmth of your chest
our bodies saying
the things our mouths
have denied permission
Chest to chest
ribs stitching together
my body tries, out of guilt,
to say
“I shouldn’t be here.”
and
your hands tell me
“Stay.”
And I do
And I drink you in
hummingbird
on
honey.