too-much-tenderness

you can’t help but wonder

at the way he kisses

– too tender, as if he isn’t

certain he’s allowed,

let alone desired –

you catch your breath, fight

for air; the night weighs heavy

– his kisses are almost

as light as the touch of his

fingers (raindrops, sliding) –

what a time to remember

‘the prophet’

– the pain

of too much

tenderness –

too-much-tenderness his instrument,

too tender, his music

– he plays it

for you best:

you let him.