there are days/ when no one is safe

when I can't protect you
from my heart
when I can't shield you
from my passion.

you could find protective gear:
goggles, gloves, hats, gas masks
and
they won't protect you
I have X ray vision
I can see beyond your wallpaper
I can touch you
in that place you're protecting,
defending, shelving, shielding, burying,
hiding from.

feel free to lie to me
I welcome your lies
I eat them on toast with tiny fish
I smile diplomatically
I tell you I believe you

because you don't want to know otherwise.

in my dreams I find you there over and over.
you're more relaxed.

.

there are days
when no one is safe
from my heart, my eye, my noticing.

on these days I feel more alive
my senses are on high alert,
orange and magenta
cobalt and cerulean
salt and sour
biting and scratching

        a pinch of this and a slap of that

I can drink you in
and let you wash over me

we can make love slowly, for hours
we can kiss and nothing else
I can be contented with a nap in late afternoon sun
and a small cold bowl of strawberry ice cream.

.

there are days
when no one is safe
from my gaze.

watch out
if you've met me on one of these days,
for I can swallow you whole
and act cordial the next week.
I am two people, or more
I make you feel smart and funny and handsome and beautiful and special
and I can be hungover the next day
waking up next to a stranger.

.

today
everyone was lucky.
I saw art, a deeply familiar geography, held hands with an old friend,         ran into people I know and appreciate, was recognized by people whose art I feel a love for, and
my camera
allowed me access to corners where light fell like silk
rendering all gorgeous
and full of possibilities.

today ended with a night
where supple delicious butterlobster was in my mouth
and lemons were squeezed into a glass whole,
    the conversation was lively and opinionated.
cheftalk.

.

there are days
when no one is safe
including me, its carrier.

for my heart is a grand space
with more than enough room
for crushes on first sight, deep loves hidden,
and words which will not quell until they are set down.

.

on these days
these unsafe days
it's best to remind all and sundry that I can not be held accountable
for stolen kisses
long gazes, random acts of flirtation
off the record talks, recorded
and
tucking you into my card catalog for dreams.

Comments

[Melissa]

A beautiful poem, Shuna. Everyone has layers of protection of some kind, and I think that what you are saying so eloquently is that sometimes they are not enough to protect you. In fact, sometimes they must be stripped.

[Chris]

You are now my favorite poet.
In 37 years I have never had a favorite poet... But now, you are she.

[devon]

Sexy.

[T.]

Can I just echo what Chris wrote?! I absolutely loved this. It was like drinking in something luscious and delicious and getting intoxicated with it but such that my mind and spirit got clearer, not foggier. I felt more alive by the time I got to the end. It seeps right in and courses through your veins and rushes in a swift current right into your heart...love it, love it, love it! Thank you!

[Jill]

Ohhhh...yum. Just, mo f'in yumsigh.

[bad home cook]

Beautiful!
I have those days too, sometimes.
And your photos! Ahh!

[Tartelette]

What a poem to end my day...:)

[Patt]

How do you know me? Reading the truth and beauty of your words made me feel exposed, touched, in love and grateful. Thank you.