We've been sleepless for nights,

made slaves to the heat

that keeps us at bay

with endless retreats

to rain – summer storms!

come pillaging through,

soaking us, threatening

to drown me and you.

We're helpless, sprawled out

beneath mile-high trees,

mocked by the sun

and the touch of our knees

as we bend – we surrender! –

spinning webs in our eyes.

Caught between first kisses

and sweat-sticky thighs,

we make plans in strange tongues,

crushed soft in our hands

(monarch's wings) buried

in six feet of sand.

And on a star-spun night,

breathing sweet ocean air,

fingers crossed, lips pressed tight,

maybe we'll disappear…