and i’ll respond. each time, a gentle kiss

to the hollows of your hips, that soft shore

where you join the rest of you. i hope that

death is this times a million. what i mean is this

is heaven, even that time when you came

in my eye. (i swear i didn’t mind; the crying

was involuntary.) when we unite, a choir,

heavenly hosts singing hallelujah. your breathing is

a sea breeze, all wet salt and promise. darling,

i would be adrift without this. anchored in your waters,

safe harbor no matter the tide. what i mean is

i will never not be lost. even in the shallows i am still

plumbing your depths. every little echo is

a hidden treasure. my name, once lost among

the waves, discovered on your tongue.

so you can call me daddy. call me captain.

call me anything, please.

what i mean is i need you

to tell me who i am.