EXCUSE #47

because i wasn’t used to the climate
the dry arizona air
i kept drinking water
gulp after gulp
but still i was thirsty
my body craving humidity
even in my sleep
i dreamed of bruised peaches
dripping melon
my skin so dry
that when i emerged
from the shower
i rubbed myself
from neck to calves
with cocoa butter
slapping cream
against wet skin
my lips cracking
bones longing
for moisture
i was beginning to wonder
if i would always be thirsty
always wanting
so when i heard your moist
trickling voice
i couldn’t help it
i breathed you in

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Published in Soundings East