When You Haven't Made Love
in a Long Time
By Patrick Rosal

My American Kundiman (Persea 2006) by Patrick Rosal
Selections reprinted with permission from Persea Books.

Whatever first summons back her mouth
to yours—gin or lies or the massive electric
wreck of an old man's heart Whatever rouses
your clumsy pulse to its blessed hectic

measures Whatever lusty villain's
vague halo or blissless wrist you mimic
Whatever thoracic harbor your passions thrill in
Whatever ash and lye Whatever fragrant muck

let your tongue be neither simple nor mad-dash
without knowing first the ramshackle
angles of angels rising Do not rush
from point if to yes Travel a gentle sickle

Climb her thigh's solfeggio Hush along her hips like
some cool crooning devil eager to lose his wits

© Patrick Rosal

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