Masquerade

1 A smile emblazoned on your face
2 is just as bold in a darkened room alone 
3 as if it is worn under a spotlight 
4 on a crowded ballroom floor.
5 Where costumes are regular occasion
6 and no conversations are had without masks;
7 your crinkle-nosed smile hides only in part.
8
9 As I don’t need to see your lips delicately curled
10 to know you are smiling, 
11 your bright eyes do not belie the joy that lives within.
12 I run my fingers down along your black gown,
13 a minute before Sleep grips you 
14 like you’d been whispering in her ear for hours, 
15 biting your lip so she would see,
16 come over, and take you.
17
18 I walk away in the midst of roiled senses,
19 follow well-worn footsteps outside, 
20 and inhale.
21Inside, dark and alone, a smile 
22 boldly emblazons my face with the thought
23 of the lace upon your thigh.
24 May I be well-enough tortured,
25 so you can close your eyes, 
26 and draw satisfyingly long breaths.
27 I’ll keep busy, while you sleep
28 surrendered to another,
29 and be here when you wake. 

10.31.18