ART BY UNMANI TEWARI

Like chalk stains
on your pant pockets
like you
plucking pancake crumbs
from my brow like you
in all wonderment,
soapy light shone
on gentle hand round
my hair as I’m
awful
kneecaps made of granite
like you, eyes of marble
reflect my drenching infatuation
the contents of six gin and tonics
pouring through my teeth
like you, curious,
a wonder, in fact.

Like you
come find me when
it’s late and tea gone sorry
lukewarm
friends risen left
imprints of their behinds
in our living room cushions
and said
“go to bed,”
“it’s late”
but i’ll sip their backwash
old-fashioneds
and humor you
get comfortable
like you,
unbuckle your belt
and in each click,
letting my dignity
and pride pool at your toes.