Over Time

before it was the softness
of skin
and sex in the sink
and how your kiss lingered
longer than most
before it was the calm
tremble of your wink
the inevitable appetite
eight hours after breakfast
begging for more
than butterflies and butter

now it's how you smile

to ease the crazy
and clothe me
with a tender gaze
when i'm afraid to speak
now it's the way your body listens
when i ache and question
and how your cool hand softens
as it drinks the warmth
of my palm

now
as the shock of this love pounds
in my blood like the rage
of a blooming orchid
i feel my restless heart breathe
settled firmly
finally
here.