*

Just below the surface one arm

loosens in front the other

the way rock still breaks apart

 

for air --this bench leaks

needs nails and the wobble

full blown, half beaten into it

 

half by your lips growing here

as grass that never strikes bottom

--kisses! needs cheeks to lock

 

when they come close and drown

--wood is useless now

though you count backwards

 

lifting the bench, empty it

on the ground that longs for you
and one bare hand as its own.

 

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