The temperature of a memory

A memory seared into my mind with the rose red tint of desire,

The hazy flush of too much, too soon. 

I crawl into the car after you 

our figures crowding the tenebrous space

My drunken gaze stumbles upon 

your hair

short brown strands my fingers itch to explore 

My eyes drift to your face 

and a flush brightens my cheeks

Beautiful and stagnant

Infinite and untouchable

The curve of your nose

The secrets held in your smile lines 

Shadows dance to grace 

your delicate features

I, too, would die 

to trace the lengths of your lips 

Dizzy with lust and unspoken words

i lay my head on your shoulder

Heat burns where our skin touches 

scorching and dangerous

You place a hand on my leg 

impartial to the cross delicate on my collarbones 

and my skin sears and blackens 

even eight months later I still see the outline 

of a winter intertwined