holding out for tonsils

for the sake of a kiss
i lathered your chest
with vasoline
and mint leaves
whispered 'darlin' in your ear
and danced
pounding tribal beats
foot by foot
across your garden

my flab bouncing
below my sternum
with my eyes along
your curves
until i was too exhausted
to breathe

we sat on the black folding chairs
in the dark aftermath of
our communion with friends and family
basking in the glow of champagne
Orion, and a hang-nail moon

I didn't say why either
but your lips glistened
kiss me in the shadows
so I'm sure you knew.

you always knew.