On Parables
photo by Elena Katkova
in sign language the difference
between hungry and horny
is only a matter of how vigorously
an upturned hand traces a breastbone,
grasping some invisible need, signaling
a desire to never die from a lack
of food or love. so I watch your face
to hear all your still hands and lips
won’t say, your surface breaking
the silence. the dimpled cheeks
and chin. the crescent moons
and wrinkles hedging your nose.
the tuck and folds of creased corners.
the turned head, concealing the curve
of lids, the dilatation of desire.