You use your arms to disguise your breasts as elbows,
to stop the wind from licking at them,
or cross yourself against the end of times,
enfolded wings, protective, a chick against the gale.
Your legs scissor tight, close down all doubts,
knees knocking hard testing their timeliness,
ankles twisted tight to stand on a single point,
all crossed against the wicked one to come.
Your lips seal tight in isometric stone-faced exercise,
seal your saliva back from spitting rage,
hide the baring of your fine white teeth,
stop your tongue from lashing outrage.
I come in peace, assure you all defense
on your part will prove unwarranted.
It’s forgiveness I look for here,
come only on my knees to ask for mercy,
not to leap the barricade into the breach,
the only thing I want’s a kiss.