I. First Swim
"I don't know how," I say.
"Easy," she explains.
"Here, no one leads."
With this, we spin.
The sea fans breeze our faces.
II. Sleep-Over
Her arms seagrass my arms.
My hands starfish her hands.
Our clams wink unladylike.
Anemones are all we wear.
III. Truth
Her brows knit.
Her lips part.
So modest, I thought.
"Those were coral reefs.
That was whale song," she sighed.
"What do you make when you come?"
IV. Dare
"I'll touch yours. You'll touch mine."
She gathered up my pebbles.
Then, sandbars raised, she showed the way
women walk over water.
V. I Wish I Had Flowers to Give Her
Her lips on my breasts
plie and pirouette
landing light
as seahorses.
VI. Watching Her Sleep
Crystalline spit—
Pearls from her lips—
Oh, to have a cord to string them!
VII. Breakfast at Tiffany's
No spoon,
but a bowl.
No fruit,
just cream.
I treat her.
She treats me.
VIII. Chantey
Bracelet
Skirt
Tie
Me
With
You