Port for a Pirate

it was my sudden inkling of your treasure
that suddenly ripped
my flag and sky to shreds
warmed the air
made my skin glow
and sent me into a giant swell

you were innocent of course
had no idea
that you had such powerful riches
and so turned back
to washing plates
but I       in churning waters

brought my ship
to the nape of your neck
and I anchored myself around you
took you prisoner
took your torso for a prize
and stole your lips

and wouldn’t let you
dry your hands which suddenly
were already dry on
my shirt       fighting
tearing       and your own clothes
turning to mist and blowing away

in the humid wind       you fell
on this vessel and journey’s spoils
made peace with the salt
frenetically       artfully
until we found the perfect place
for everything

until who boarded whom
was hard to ascertain       and then
we rocked       incessant waves
never stopped       but finally fell
just beneath the surface
with all its gentle kisses



[1/10/05]