Replacement

He kisses her 
trying to wipe her mouth free of the taste
of past lovers
which must still linger on her lips 
like the salt of her tears

He holds her
trying to erase hand prints
that stain the skin
she rubbed raw 
where they touched her

He wipes her tears
hoping she will remember
the way his fingers glide 
along her cheekbones

appreciating
the imprint she’ll let him leave
on her easily bruised heart