I deserve to be known
by Cynthia Lohr

I deserve to be known
that which is animal, internal,
serene yet sensual;
I deserve to be known,
that which is miniscule, hesitant,
deceptively complex;
the pugnacious feline
recoiling from first touch,
submitting to caress,
feigning insouciance
though I sleep at your feet
night after night

Desert, romance, passion
eternal love amidst cacti
prickle me, dare I ask,
prod and incite me,
ask to know,
bare all, as I'd bare my breasts
to the warmth of your afternoon sun,
clutch you to my nipple,
feed and nourish, you and I
organs interchangeable
brain, sex and the like.

I deserve to be known,
that which is angry, opinionated,
feminist and solitary.
I deserve to be known,
give me the place, the desire of yours
to encompass my soul,
do not leave, escape in fear,
never leave until
you know
you know
me.

copyright Cynthia Lohr