We strip off fears
at the end of day, discarded
on the floor like our jeans,
pocket change
spilling out. Our worth
at the moment.
Exposed to one lover
or another, we try
to get back what we may
never have had.
We fumble, we always do,
to find comfort, acceptance,
least likely common
companionship.
Fragments of our self
given away with each kiss,
every awkward touch.
We gain, we hope,
more than
brazen confidence or
release from all that
has held us back. Often,
only to remain,
as available as
bundled up socks
bedside. Did we dare
and where did it take us?

04/13/2018                                      j.g. lewis