mango

art by Holly Warburton

shut a book closed with a left hand
and reach sideways for you with a right.
trace a secret, slow pattern
on a square of skin
all eyes swollen shut.
all hearts swollen full.
cross some lines, then cross some more.
soft mango beneath warm palm
sleep thudding like a weighted blanket
but then drift in and drift out
lock fingers, arms, and mouths.
savour the ruthless mercy
of a neck and its wild pulse.
heat, sweat, hugs and sighs
kisses and kisses and kisses and-
raisin dipped in sweet wine.
yet do not break loose,
stay steady, old heart, stay steady
cross some lines, then cross some more
cross them patiently
cross them wholly.