two mouths

but for him, i have tenderness –
sparkle of drum
fizzing from the lip
of basement below ribcage;
fine-grained pulse & cotton stupor
snow, eyefuls of
soft, syncopated
nodding to the music.

*

and for you, i am tender –
bruised grape lip
bitten. mind on heart; junebug
jumping against glass.
this sore takes so long
to heal, i am tired
of searching the mirror,
waiting for violet scar.

Artwork by Linda Cleary, "Still Life with Apples - Tribute to Paul Cezanne", 2014