R u m m y   P a r k

b y   R e b e c c a   L u   K i e r n a n


10.   Striptease

Corduroy pants are graceless to remove,
Not like a silk dress I could slink out of
And stand nude, half-astonished
As if the whole thing was accidental.
 
I have to admit I really mean this,
To be naked here with you,
To taste your flesh
And leave nothing to imagination.
 
I knock over a candle, pant legs
Stuck over crocodile boots
And now I need your help.
 
We collide with the bonsai tree
And your flashy Coogie sweater sleeve
Is aflame.
I smother it out with my hands.
The dog is leaping right into us,
Howling like a siren.
We laugh until we can't catch our breath
And we are naked, not just nude
And you crash into me like a freight train,
Like you really mean it
And I hate to be unladylike,
But this is how I need it.