OpenLinkNight: ...if it lasts longer than four hours, consult a physician...

the shaving of a woman's legs is a sacred act,
an art in confession of sins, liturgy repeated in long
and short strokes, a commitment to memory
each turn with tender care not to nip skin,
yet remain intimate enough to re-create silk & lace
---
different from a man's face, that can take
it rough---i use no soap or cream on my own,
preferring just the blade to scrape flesh fresh
a kiss along the heartbeat beneath
---
tap, tap, tap the head on the edge of the sink
to clear the teeth, rinse, repeat, against the grain
she likes to watch, says i make a face
in the mirror, lips pursed in concentration,
eyes pinched, she thinks is sex, distilled
the bite of mouthwash after brushing
and squeak of tongue, a-cross born

like shaving legs
like loving you,
                even on nights that you don't
or not on nights you do
                when all you need is held
like sacraments placed on the tongue
                past the lips, to the accompaniment
                of 'broken for you'
like the razor & pulse felt

i...i...i---& u & all pleasure under heaven
                 comes in a box, with one instruction,
                 daily acts of devotion

and if it last more than four hours
there's---no need to consult a physician.


OpenLinkNight @ dVerse Poets , your weekly opportunity to get poetic on the stage among friends, new and old. So be bold, let a poem rip and come join us. Doors open at 3 pm.