belonging - in conversation with my girlfriend

being able to hold your hand

without our palms slipping

skin to skin

pulse to pulse

sometimes my fingers linger too long and they’re caught in the glare

of some passer by

see, belonging is when i can kiss you goodbye

when our rhythm is unbroken

untouched  

when a simple farewell is not a political statement

but just that 

farewell, my love

as a girl i was raised on princes and knights in shining armour

force fed my identity 

the taste sour in my mouth

traces still linger on my lips, my tongue 

but with you, i belong

i  

can be