It is not the beard you crave
But the lips behind it,
The kiss
It shook empires
In its youth, bitter thing
Rendered golden in that
Midas way where
Men breathe
Never seeing a
Kiss is never just a kiss
It knows not the contours
Flesh bone and blood
The Sin
One weary heart
Coaxes from quivering walls.
The Waking Den 
There’s always so much behind a kiss. great words.
♥
each kiss a bit of life given, the question to whom and what for? nice write chris…
wow, i think your wording is exceptional…the way you express the concept of a kiss…”one weary heart coaxes from quivering walls”…
no ordinary kiss could lead to a poem such as this…wonderful analogies…great write…
Nice…mysterious kiss… lovely!
I think God created the world with one gigantic kiss, so I can relate to a kiss’ power untold! Oh, boy, for sure.
Amazing. A lyrical surprise and emotional dessert. I love:
Rendered golden in that
Midas way where
Men breathe
Never seeing a
Kiss is never just a kiss
A kiss is the world, at times, yes? xxxj
I kept reading this one to be sure I understood. It seemed you were speaking of the elusiveness of true love, and how seduction has been used to manipulate again and again. And, it could be that I am way, way off.
Did I miss the boat entirely? 🙂
I’m glad Lori preceded me! I felt this poem carried so much more than the joy of a kiss! The poem seemed to be more about the potential joy, but the welcome is thinning…as suggested by “weary heart”. Somehow this kiss in a line of kisses simply does not zing anymore…and the reason seems to be a sad secret.
A kiss is never just a kiss ..
and nor are there mere words writing of it 🙂
Excellent !
There’s nothing ordinary about a kiss…so many meanings and dimensions. Well written.
This, I have lived. Her view of the kiss and his.
The Sin
One weary heart
Coaxes from quivering walls.
Indeed.
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An evocative and intelligent poem which prompts in me memory, desire and regret. Thank you. James.
“Never seeing a
Kiss is never just a kiss”
that alone says so much. brilliant!
“One weary heart
Coaxes from quivering walls.”
Brilliant.
Excellent poem, really enjoyed reading it. Reminded me of how youths try to convince each other into giving kisses, possibly someone remembering kissing in their youth.