what do you like, can i read your codes?
the game of femininity, to second-guess your wants:
if the curve of my hip was gently in evidence,
if my hand traced the image, would you notice?
or should i instead wear the higher heels,
let my legs feel longer, stretch them out long
and threaten to wrap them around your waist--
if the corner of my mouth indicated that
as a possibility, would you notice? if my breath
were to slowly increase against the hum
of my heart against your rib cage,
if my eyes opened just a little brighter,
would you notice, would you care?
what is there here to keep you, what offering?
the body is such an inchoate mess, wild in motion,
forming ideas in the heat of action and reaction:
what is there here you could want, what could i
put on display to meet your gaze? since my eyes
could never be lifted directly,
i've been taught other ways: with fingertips,
with darkened eyelashes and reddened lips,
with knowing what my hips look like when i walk,
i can meet your gaze only with attributes.
is it enough, will you notice?