till there is evidence on my skin--
teeth marks on my neck,
bruises on my chest,
aches in my joints,
chapped lips--
till there is visual proof, i cannot accept
that you have been here,
that you have agreed to stay awhile.
till your body is imprinted on mine,
till i have tasted iron and chlorine and carbon,
till my skin has so tangible a memory
that there can be no danger of forgetting--
don't leave
don't leave
don't leave