The Execution Poem by Rachael Swiss

our lips touch but we do not kiss for nearly an hour
sixty protracted minutes of rejecting magnetism
hesitating
and in this time i try to read your thoughts
running my fingertips along your spine
like braille
eyes closed
blinds shut against the sunrise and blinded

there is too much electricity in this room

hairs raise with goose flesh
breath catches in knotted throats
anticipating
not a whisper could escape this mouth unscathed
patience evaporates
the struggle forgone at last
i part your lips to drink you in
and swallow you whole.