safe-words

nobody wants the messy details

workdesk, photo by débora Ewing

apprehension is fine
carefully-folded napkins
next to our plates
in case we want protection

words like a box of matches
we were brazen with intelligence
set fires everywhere — still have ashes
in a sachet under my pillow
next to the remote

these days I prefer stainless steel
my last heart might give out
if I needed to cut clean
let’s have another aperitif

and loll around the plate
slowly

If you liked this piece, you may enjoy: fault-lines