Cool Skin, Hot Neck. Poem by Alice Alyve

You sat down; your leg brushed against mine.
It stayed there and I stopped breathing.

You grew stiff, and I knew you were thinking the same thing.

Your skin was cool,
from being outside with your cigarette.

The back of my neck tingled and grew hot.

I was afraid you could hear my heart.

Was it yours being so loud?

You jumped up suddenly.
“I’m thirsty.
Want a soda? ”

“Sure… Thanks…”

You can’t stand to be that close to me.

But not because you can’t stand me.