illustration: BOYS OF SUMMER II

THE FIRST TIME


I remember the first time
I saw you
naked
and standing over there
like a sculptured piece of crystal
watching my every move
from the corner of your eye
as if I was someone's child
come to press my molasses fingers
all over your highly polished skin

You asked me in
to share the night with you
I guess I could have been almost anyone
You were just a little too cold and lonely
and I was so in love with love
I only needed a temporary pair of caring arms
to make me feel alive
and I was
for just a short while
until your shame entered the room
and drew a line
down
the
center
of
the
bed
.