Round Trip: From Knoxville to Philadelphia
Let me wander north, toward better moments
and rest within your gaze as you appraise
my gentle touch upon your shoulder--
a moment of clarity, but my eyes show
Let me wander your streets, your halls,
your tombs within hand's breath,
and always in sight of you.
Let me swim through blue grass, and blue notes, and bruised mountains.
Let me take a deep breath, deep and drowning with the fragrance of your change.
Let me trace your finger with my wanting and never shed the weight.
This is wanderlust in miles and air and enduring.
I demand to know the haunts you creep
and paths your soles carry you through.
Let me live your forward momentum,
lead me by hand and voice and intention.
Take me through your city, through experience
and whisper how you wish to view me
when I take in your secrets. Then
let me know you-- and trace your words
with my tongue, your stanzas with my teeth.
I demand you recognize the face reflected in muddy puddles.
The fallen arches and arched spines of a city enraged.
I demand blood from full lips and names from full eyes.
I am a walking secret, the embodiment of a skyline at night.
I am light in the distance, a beacon unbecoming of hope.
I demand your tongue on a silvered platter, wet and waiting.
my attention, my focus-- the very buzz behind my eyes
that lures me to your grip, your ferocity
and hold me in place with palm
planted firmly upon my collarbone, my neck.
Give me permission to taste the crisp air,
and take away my privilege to stand.
You may have every gasp I make,
but only if you let me taste yours.
Red lights, red eyes, and late flights. You have my permission to run to them all.
There is already too much air between us, so swallow it all. Fill your lungs and float on.
I can only take what you give me.
I can only give what you ask for.
I can only be what you see.
Then let me be the waking desire,
while you retain the command.
Until our futures intertwine. Happy memories.