Asphyxiation

by Ewong Martines

I imagine us together
trapped under this warm,
furry blanket; our bodies
naked, sweaty, arms
and legs tangled.
In strange synchrony
we shiver, the pulse
of a caged bird waiting
in vain to be freed.
In blinding pleasure
we moan. Wrestle
gracefully. Wander
like the nocturnal waves
of the Pacific. Fluids flow
flesh to flesh, droplets
forming letters to plead:
"Oh Sun, please don't come!"
Our tongues locked in each
other, we gasp deliriously
for air. But we'd rather
suffocate in this musky,
forbidden affair.


revised version:

Us trapped I imagine 
               under blanket furry
               warm; naked and sweaty 
               our bodies, tangled legs 
and arms.
In strange synchrony shiver 
               we: pulse of a caged bird 
               waiting, waiting in vain 
to be free.
In blinding pleasure moan 
               we: like waves nocturnal 
               of Pacific wander. Let’s 
wrestle furtively.
Flesh to flesh 
               flow fluids; droplets form 
               letters, plead: "Oh Sun, 
must not come!"
Locked our tongues 
               in each other—O how we gasp 
               for air! But choke together               
               we'd rather in musky 
mad affair.


*Artwork: "Embrace" by Deborah Howard