i smile
on a stage 
my lips rehearsing
7 nights
my arms struggle to keep still
in this velvet black box
i created
i am reaching out
for your breaths
the sounds of you wanting
to be inside of me

you say this is empty
hollowed out
and you lie
naked to my face
behind blue eyes
exploring 
the landscape of my wet skin under moonlight
this is more
more than either of us 
wants to go to confession for
we bleed sin
secrets 
that in the moment do not seem worth
sacrifice on July mornings
my slurred outbursts build walls

you cannot be honest
...