ETIOLATED

HUMAN

i'll trace softly the tree branches
on your wrists with my fingertips
[the tree is willow, it waltzes in the wind]

and brush gently the weathered lines
on your palms with my lips
[storms with names have been before me]

and with my teeth
i'll graze tenderly the supple curves of your neck
[your pulse is a lullaby, it sings an erratic song when i'm near]

and when you shudder
like a valve in your heart has become an open window
[there's a breeze inside, it's my voice, can you hear?]

i'll love you because of how human you are