Clemency

this, this night
when the universe puts a hold
on all bacterial infections and other critters
of "love"
puts a pause on rings and promises
and the worry of being taken to that
second location
face pressed in mud,
multiple knife wounds to the liver
this, this night of clemency,
of taking what you can
and letting it happen

mercy, a cock in each hand
mouth to mouth we pass her tongue
around the circle,
around the circle
until she comes back home
pillow soft we press cheeks in
her mother softness for close sleep
while fingers find us centered,
kiss whipped we roam we roam

this is where I want to go,
you on my left side slipping my
memory into three part harmony

you on my left side flesh pinched
and contagious, you on my left side
passing her tongue as teeth click
out a message of free will
feeling the blade,
inviting the blade
face pressed in mud pleading, more.