A look with desire is so distinct
from a look which deflects desire
A look ensconced in desire arrests
It’s a stop. A knock. An inquiry.
A seeking. An awaited welcome.
Its reciprocity changes a world, gives
Entry to a world – of an other who
understands and responds, returns a
look in desire angled and as desired
A look is already a caress when
done with desire and received even so
A caress of affection, too, has a desire
But so distinct, different from a desire
That leads to consent to explore.
Its affectionate and more a move from
being a child held in affection to an
Adult wanting to be possessed in desire
It is a license freely given and a
contract of mutual return to engage
In look, in desire, In caress
To let me be who I am because
You let yourself be yourself for me even
as I for you.
A caress of a look without a touch and
a caress of touch without and within a look
Enfolded in Desire.