braids are what provide

braids are what provide
the allure, "and refuge"
is what you tell yourself

with arms over my shoulders
around my neck, you nuzzle close
and in wispy voice, whisper:

"i'm certain you will never
forget me, for my lips
are brands which outline
my name"

my beacon, by now i have
memorized every ruffle
of your likeness. besides
for astrals the universe
is archive

not one kiss has ever gone amiss
in the contours of their space

& i am confident, we are ...