queer desires.

i want to lay me down

and let the ocean sweep

the sands off my shore.

            they will not clean me, love.

i want to lay me down

and let the earth bury

the skin of my body.

            they will not find me, love.

i want to lay me down

and let the rain hide

the shape of your lips.

            i will not erase you, love.

i want to lay me down

and let the sun bake

the taste of your kiss.

            i will not forget you, love.

i want to lay me down

and let the axes pierce

the length of our trunks.

            they will not hurt us, love.

i want to lay us down

and let their fingers pluck

the stalks of our flowers.

            they will not kill us, love.

i want to lay you down

and let the moon flood

the bowl of your eyes.

            i will not empty you, love.

---

First published in Mosaic Literature.