You would never know this but,
I want to take an entire roll of film of you underwater
No,
Wait
I want to take an entire film store of photos of you underwater
Jannie,
promise me that you won’t float away in every direction
watch me tie this boyish man anchor to your waist
and we’ll stay close to the sand.

pepsi & dove chocolate tastes

swim strong
or stand still be slight in your movements
I’ve this bold plan that you’ll stand on my shoulders slipping off
Steady in rugged faces

I shave everyday these days
But then,

I aimed to tickle your smile and tummy with my stubble and stumbling about
Trying to find ways to touch and tell you I’ve loved you forever
Without scaring you to death and whitewashing your complexion
Too much.

You are my best friend. My pretty Plymouth rock,
You are the same best friend in the black
Bathing suit I cannot keep my glance from.
And why would I want to?

That’s how it’s supposed to be that’s how I love to feel inside
Out, you were put together in a goddess sort of way.
It was all revealed too quickly when the time was right,

We left the salt,
I carried you from the sea to the shore and set you down carefully
Coldly we warmed up slowly you reflected it so well
The sun’s breath wasn’t quite enough but it was getting there.

I know I was there
With you.
Saying,


“Let’s collect seashells and plan them into our house in as many years
As it takes to glue this model lighthome together forever”
Or something like that and if those weren’t the exact words,
At some point, I’m quite sure they sang through my skull at least
A thousand times and then some more


I loved you on that shore.

I remember I gathered up all my grains of bravery and pretended to have enough
Confidence to not bury myself next to the broken trees
And keep my eyes in, or around the area where you would keep yours.
You still have that effect on me though…you know.
I tell you that
when I think you need it most, or want it
or it just wants to rush out of my mouth.

that’s what love is if you think about it.
you tell her the things that have maybe been rinsed too many times
and rung out sure we are exhausted,
but I would take that chance with you anyday.

08/22/2009

Author's Note: i would never lose you in the sea. very honest.

Posted on 08/22/2009
Copyright © 2024 Steven Kenworthy