Do you have any gum?”
Oh to ask this simple question of five words
to these two wrinkly ocean eyes,
their lashes laugh and plant their seeds
in the grooves and sulci of these wrinkles
scented roses bloom among them
with my inner child patiently waiting
for his veiny mapped fingers to mint the flavors
before caressing it with my tongue.

“Can I pick a pretty one for you this time?”
I’d ask her graceful face of...