I am quite sure I know
exactly
what you're looking for
as I closely study the billboard signs
erected along the highways of your life
reading between the lines
rolling down the window on the drivers' side
slowing my pace
taking a good look at your face
as you speak in parables over dinner
neither of us saints
neither of us a hardcore sinners
destined to be rescued at the last minute
all of this is a test
sometimes
the key is just to be in it until the end
and the parables you speak aloud are quite unique
in that all of us are different but travel in the same boat
in the same water we float until the tide pulls us to shore
so
I know
exactly
what you are looking for
I can only tell you this
I am content in holding your hand
If you're not ready for a kiss
I am content to be on your sofa watching old movies on TV
and the smell of popcorn in the air
is quite alright with me
and if we just happen to stare up at the ceiling with no words spoken
I am quite content
lamenting not that it is not in your bed we lay
but simply on your couch
laughing simple hours away
as I explode in secret ecstasy
while you are curled up next to me
sharing a spoon of butter pecan ice cream
my soul will scream with thunderous joy
and you will not hear a word
not know the bliss I feel at that moment
making love to you on the couch without a touch
without a kiss
scanning the channels for the latest sports score
I'm thinking
I know
exactly
what you are looking for
the questions you ask and the look you give
each noun, verb and adjective not wasted in conversation
your eyes know the truth before the tongue responds
a connection bonds you and I already
although I am careful not to open your Pandora's box
a crooked path
littered with keys and locks opened and unopened in previous years
your eyes smile at me
but still reveal the tears of a long journey in the desert sun
beginning with two
ending with one
I know the journey as well
listening to the tales you tell in abstract form
with attentive ears and heart
I listen
and decipher your code quite easily
tales of chivalrous days and romantic nights
disappearing
as the lights were turned out while you were awake
careful now not to make the same mistake
falling into the same pit as once before
don't bother to elaborate
I know exactly
what you are looking for
shall I say the word
or should it remain unsaid?
not found in the aftermath of wrinkled sheets on the bed
no
that is not our immediate desire
a fire as easily quenched as it was easily ignited
we are quite delighted in what lies up the road
enjoying each and every episode
I search for the same thing you are searching for
and we have begun to explore the possibilities within ourselves
not ready for the commitment
because it is not yet the time of day
we look forward to the possibilities of tomorrow
stopping to pick flowers along the way
so we lie together on your couch
serene
enjoying old movies on the TV screen
and that is our commitment for this moment
exploding in ecstasy
climaxing without a word, a kiss or a touch
such a thing unheard of
until the one day we can finally
commit to love