words by dominic riccitello

i stood on edge
with a grasp
around your neck
tugging, pulling
in directions
i didn’t know
could exist

there we were
in solidarity
yet driving you crazy
with my love

but there i was
driving you wild
with my mind
touch, words, voice

my stroke
around your neck
along your back
your thighs
how i kissed
your lips
made you die

i was ageless
for you, for us
i was on every edge
feeling your vibrations
against my skin
the intensity
in our rhythm

i loved you
from your hair
to your soul
to your hands
to the agony
in the back
of your voice

but truly
it was your stride
the colors of your past
how you loved your niece
and how i knew
you were the man
i loved in a past life
when the sky was honest
when life wasn’t all dodging bullets

when i was you and you were i
and everyday i would twist you
between my fingers
drag you upon highways
hold you between my thighs
with air you could see

i guess they call it karma
and i guess you shouldn’t play in desire
or wonder what happens
when you fall in love

because you’ll think of him
on his birthday
and wish you were there
with a hand on his thigh
and love beside

anyway
happy birthday
from the cemetery
to my old hallway
forever and always