I want to be
No more No
Pain aching thighs, knees, hips
Elbows locked
Hands burning, forearms warning
Loose
Useless grip
Ribcage, even skin
sore to the touch
How many words for pain?
How many ways to balance its deficit? How many ways to gently
(protectively)
tell your lover that her
enthusiastic touch is
too much right now
and not have to move precious energy to her
And not have to cover her bruised heart with
your burning skin?

There's an ache in me that supplants the bones
The muscles
steals the voice
There's an ache
And it's bigger than the power in your
enfolding arms