Physiology of Kisses
The kiss begins………………….in the center of the belly
and travels upward…………..through the diaphragm and
throat along fine filaments ………………which no forensic scientist
has ever been able to find.
From the hard flower………..of the kisser's mouth,
the kisses leave the body……….in single file,
into the reciprocal mouth…..of the kiss recipient,
which for me is Kath.
What can I say? My kisses make her happy and I need that.
And sometimes, bending over her,
I have the unmistakable impression
………………………….that I am watering a plant.
gripping myself softly………….by the handle,
tilting my spout……………………….forward
pouring what I need to give
……………………into the changing shape of her thirst.
I keep leaning forward……………..to pour out
what continues to rise up
from the fountain………………….of the kisses
which I, also,…………………….am drinking from.
.
by Tony Hoagland
from Sweet Ruin
University of Wisconsin Press, 1993