I am the only one to blame for this; I did cast my soul to the wolves
And smiled as they tore it apart.

Your farewell gesture -
the gentle pressure of your lips to my hand, lingering against my skin, warm breath
trailing through my body
A shock of reaction blazed a path to every nerve ending
My flesh prickled, suffused with fever
I glanced away in consternation, savoring the feel of your caressing lips
This sweet, gallant gesture, such a forgotten art!-
charmed me

Why has no one ever cherished me before?

In my car, driving back home,
I press the back of my hand to my own lips,
imagining that fluttery joining
I taste the imprint of you.

06/11/2002

Posted on 06/11/2002
Copyright © 2026 Jayme L Helmick